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.

Seaweed plays a key role in the world’s oceans. But too much of it disrupted ecosystems in the Caribbean this May. Brian Barnes has written about it in a new report published this week by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab. Barnes tells Host Carolyn Beeler that there’s no single scientific explanation for the explosive growth.

Seaweed plays a key role in the world’s oceans. But too much of it disrupted ecosystems in the Caribbean this May. Brian Barnes has written about it in a new report published this week by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab. Barnes tells Host Carolyn Beeler that there’s no single scientific explanation for the explosive growth.

'Explosive' seaweed growth washes up on Caribbean shores

South Korea appears to have a new president. Polls and early results show Lee Jae-Myung winning a snap election today by a wide margin. Lee is a center-left politician promising to end a chaotic period for South Korea. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Patrick Winn, who's been following the election.

South Korea appears to have a new president. Polls and early results show Lee Jae-Myung winning a snap election today by a wide margin. Lee is a center-left politician promising to end a chaotic period for South Korea. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Patrick Winn, who's been following the election.

South Korea elects new liberal president

Japan is about a week into a new postal program that assigns a digital code to individuals that can stand in for physical addresses. The program is designed to do away with errors in labeling or addressing packages. Host Carolyn Beeler explains that, so far, the seven-digit code can only be used for package delivery.

Japan is about a week into a new postal program that assigns a digital code to individuals that can stand in for physical addresses. The program is designed to do away with errors in labeling or addressing packages. Host Carolyn Beeler explains that, so far, the seven-digit code can only be used for package delivery.

Digital addresses in Japan

Shima's days of being in a manufactured J-Pop band in Tokyo are over. Now, she's doing things her way, with total creative control. Shima's real name is Tina Johnson. As a Japanese American musician, she's made the move to Los Angeles as an electronic solo artist. Host Carolyn  Beeler has more.

Shima's days of being in a manufactured J-Pop band in Tokyo are over. Now, she's doing things her way, with total creative control. Shima's real name is Tina Johnson. As a Japanese American musician, she's made the move to Los Angeles as an electronic solo artist. Host Carolyn 
Beeler has more.

J-Pop girl group to solo artist

US officials have suspended visa interviews for all international students looking to study in the United States. They say they’re revamping policies to include the vetting of applicants' social media accounts. The US has long been the top destination for students from Latin America; many Latin American leaders have been educated in the United States. But as Michael Fox reports from Quito, Ecuador, that trajectory could be shifting suddenly.

US officials have suspended visa interviews for all international students looking to study in the United States. They say they’re revamping policies to include the vetting of applicants' social media accounts. The US has long been the top destination for students from Latin America; many Latin American leaders have been educated in the United States. But as Michael Fox reports from Quito, Ecuador, that trajectory could be shifting suddenly.

Latin American students consider options as visas are on hold

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is facing growing calls to disarm following its battle with Israel last year. The group is now faced with major losses to its infrastructure and top leadership. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Sami Halabi from the Alternative Policy Institute about the complexities of disarmament for the group.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is facing growing calls to disarm following its battle with Israel last year. The group is now faced with major losses to its infrastructure and top leadership. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Sami Halabi from the Alternative Policy Institute about the complexities of disarmament for the group.

Pressure grows for Hezbollah to disarm after military losses to Israel

The images of Monday's eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily were eye-popping. Towering plumes of charcoal-colored ash rose miles into the air. But scientists say what made this new eruption interesting was material that gushed across the land from the crater: pyroclastic flow. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The images of Monday's eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily were eye-popping. Towering plumes of charcoal-colored ash rose miles into the air. But scientists say what made this new eruption interesting was material that gushed across the land from the crater: pyroclastic flow. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Mount Etna puts on another show

The octopus population in the waters south of England is booming. Typically a rare species, fishermen in one town pulled in more than 70,500 pounds of octopus on a single day — compared to the usual average of about 400 pounds. This population boom comes as those same waters are experiencing a marine heat wave that has lasted for several months. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with marine ecologist Lissa Batey about the increased population, the response from the fisheries and how the overall marine environment is shifting due to climate change.

The octopus population in the waters south of England is booming. Typically a rare species, fishermen in one town pulled in more than 70,500 pounds of octopus on a single day — compared to the usual average of about 400 pounds. This population boom comes as those same waters are experiencing a marine heat wave that has lasted for several months. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with marine ecologist Lissa Batey about the increased population, the response from the fisheries and how the overall marine environment is shifting due to climate change.

Octopus population booms off England's South Coast

During the 13-year civil war in Syria, the forces under former President Bashar al-Assad carried out some of the most horrific chemical attacks in recent history. One of them was in April 2018, on the outskirts of Damascus, where at least 43 people were killed. The World's Shirin Jaafari visits the site and speaks with survivors, who say they need psychological support.

During the 13-year civil war in Syria, the forces under former President Bashar al-Assad carried out some of the most horrific chemical attacks in recent history. One of them was in April 2018, on the outskirts of Damascus, where at least 43 people were killed. The World's Shirin Jaafari visits the site and speaks with survivors, who say they need psychological support.

Survivors of Assad's chemical attacks speak out

Japan's iconic terraced rice paddies are held in place by traditional stone walls. But the craft of building these walls is a dying art. Reporter Hannah Kirshner recently traveled to Fukuoka prefecture, in southern Japan, where she met a group dedicated to preserving agricultural practices, including stone wall building.

Japan's iconic terraced rice paddies are held in place by traditional stone walls. But the craft of building these walls is a dying art. Reporter Hannah Kirshner recently traveled to Fukuoka prefecture, in southern Japan, where she met a group dedicated to preserving agricultural practices, including stone wall building.

Preserving stone wall architecture in Japan's rice paddies

Chaos erupted again near an aid distribution point in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, this time killing more than 20 people, according to the International Red Cross. Local health officials say Israeli soldiers fired on civilians. But the IDF blames Hamas militants for the violence. Arwa Damon, the founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about what happened and what’s at stake.

Chaos erupted again near an aid distribution point in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, this time killing more than 20 people, according to the International Red Cross. Local health officials say Israeli soldiers fired on civilians. But the IDF blames Hamas militants for the violence. Arwa Damon, the founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about what happened and what’s at stake.

Desperation turns deadly as Palestinians in Gaza seek aid

Poland has elected a new conservative nationalist as president in a major blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Karol Nawrocki won the election by a razor thin margin. The result threatens to derail Tusk’s promise to ease Poland’s near-total abortion ban and reform the country's judiciary. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler.

Poland has elected a new conservative nationalist as president in a major blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Karol Nawrocki won the election by a razor thin margin. The result threatens to derail Tusk’s promise to ease Poland’s near-total abortion ban and reform the country's judiciary. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler.

Poland's election upset puts abortion rights and rule of law reforms at risk

A new report from Tibet Action Institute documents a pattern of physical abuse and neglect in Chinese-run boarding schools that many are forced to attend. The report alleges that the schools are designed to separate Tibetan children from their parents and away from their language and culture. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the details from the director of the institute, Lhadon Tethong, who is based in Boston.

A new report from Tibet Action Institute documents a pattern of physical abuse and neglect in Chinese-run boarding schools that many are forced to attend. The report alleges that the schools are designed to separate Tibetan children from their parents and away from their language and culture. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the details from the director of the institute, Lhadon Tethong, who is based in Boston.

Tibetan children subject to abuse in Chinese government schools

After Massachusetts approved a law allowing undocumented immigrants to drive legally in 2023, the numbers of licensed drivers doubled in a year. Despite growing fears of a nationwide crackdown on immigrants, people in the state are still seeking licenses in higher numbers than before the law was passed. A big reason for that is the state's attorney general, who has promised not to share license data with federal authorities. GBH Radio’s Chris Burrell reports from Boston.

After Massachusetts approved a law allowing undocumented immigrants to drive legally in 2023, the numbers of licensed drivers doubled in a year. Despite growing fears of a nationwide crackdown on immigrants, people in the state are still seeking licenses in higher numbers than before the law was passed. A big reason for that is the state's attorney general, who has promised not to share license data with federal authorities. GBH Radio’s Chris Burrell reports from Boston.

New Massachusetts law for undocumented migrants sees spike in licensed drivers

In a Moscow suburb, locals have been battling against city officials and the Russian Orthodox Church to stop construction of a new church in a city park. This construction project is part of a plan to build at least 500 new churches in Moscow — a city of roughly 12 million people. And over the past 15 years, thousands of new churches have gone up across the country. Levi Bridges reports that these construction projects represent a tightening relationship in Russia between the church and state.

In a Moscow suburb, locals have been battling against city officials and the Russian Orthodox Church to stop construction of a new church in a city park. This construction project is part of a plan to build at least 500 new churches in Moscow — a city of roughly 12 million people. And over the past 15 years, thousands of new churches have gone up across the country. Levi Bridges reports that these construction projects represent a tightening relationship in Russia between the church and state.

Moscow's plan to build 500 Orthodox churches sparks rare revolt

For 80 years, the Fulbright program has enabled a research exchange between the US and the rest of the world, welcoming foreign scholars and scientists to the US and enabling US citizens to tap into research networks abroad. Not only has it strengthened US research prowess, but it's also become a major geopolitical soft power tool. The World's Joshua Coe reports.

For 80 years, the Fulbright program has enabled a research exchange between the US and the rest of the world, welcoming foreign scholars and scientists to the US and enabling US citizens to tap into research networks abroad. Not only has it strengthened US research prowess, but it's also become a major geopolitical soft power tool. The World's Joshua Coe reports.

One of the best examples of soft power is on the chopping block

The butterfly sanctuary in Mexico City's Natural History Museum is now the host of thousands of Orizaba silkmoths. Those moths have been steadily decreasing in number in the city due to urbanization. But 2,600 cocoons of the silkmoth were rescued from an empty lot, cleaned and hung up from clothing lines by biologists at the museum. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

The butterfly sanctuary in Mexico City's Natural History Museum is now the host of thousands of Orizaba silkmoths. Those moths have been steadily decreasing in number in the city due to urbanization. But 2,600 cocoons of the silkmoth were rescued from an empty lot, cleaned and hung up from clothing lines by biologists at the museum. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

In Mexico City, moths find a home at the museum

Ukraine attacked targets deep inside Russia yesterday, in what Kyiv called "Operation Spiderweb." The Security Service of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack using drones smuggled into Russia, which they say knocked out some 41 Russian planes, though Russia disputes that figure. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Samuel Bendett, an advisor at the Center for Naval Analyses.

Ukraine attacked targets deep inside Russia yesterday, in what Kyiv called "Operation Spiderweb." The Security Service of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack using drones smuggled into Russia, which they say knocked out some 41 Russian planes, though Russia disputes that figure. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Samuel Bendett, an advisor at the Center for Naval Analyses.

Ukraine strikes military and psychological blow to Russia

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met today in Istanbul, Turkey, for peace talks on the heels of a spike in airstrikes between the two sides. As The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul, the delegations agreed to a major prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met today in Istanbul, Turkey, for peace talks on the heels of a spike in airstrikes between the two sides. As The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul, the delegations agreed to a major prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire.

Amid backdrop of airstrikes, Russia and Ukraine pursue peace talks in Istanbul

A declaration of martial law. Impeachment. Months of protest and deep political divisions. That's what South Korea has been through over the last six months. Tomorrow, the country will vote for a new president. There's one clear frontrunner. But the political divide — along with big economic and security challenges — will remain, no matter who wins this election. The World's Matthew Bell has the story.

A declaration of martial law. Impeachment. Months of protest and deep political divisions. That's what South Korea has been through over the last six months. Tomorrow, the country will vote for a new president. There's one clear frontrunner. But the political divide — along with big economic and security challenges — will remain, no matter who wins this election. The World's Matthew Bell has the story.

South Koreans head to the polls after months of turmoil

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills catch you up on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills catch you up on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Things you might have missed

Colombian pop star Shakira returns to US stages for the first time in seven years with her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour — Women Don’t Cry Anymore. Following sold-out shows across Latin America, the tour includes nearly 20 US dates and blends personal storytelling, bilingual performances and global rhythms. It’s projected to earn over $200 million worldwide. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Colombian pop star Shakira returns to US stages for the first time in seven years with her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour — Women Don’t Cry Anymore. Following sold-out shows across Latin America, the tour includes nearly 20 US dates and blends personal storytelling, bilingual performances and global rhythms. It’s projected to earn over $200 million worldwide. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Shakira global record-breaking tour comes to the US

The clash between the Trump administration and Voice of America continues. In March, an executive order was issued to eliminate VOA’s supervising agency. Since then, VOA has been slashed and has cut down operations while also challenging the executive order in court. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that as VOA shrinks, Russian news agencies targeting international audiences are growing.

The clash between the Trump administration and Voice of America continues. In March, an executive order was issued to eliminate VOA’s supervising agency. Since then, VOA has been slashed and has cut down operations while also challenging the executive order in court. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that as VOA shrinks, Russian news agencies targeting international audiences are growing.

RT on the rise as VOA fades

Reborn dolls that are hyperrealistic, handcrafted baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills explain.

Reborn dolls that are hyperrealistic, handcrafted baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills explain.

Hyperrealistic baby dolls become a fad in Brazil

Ethnic killings in Sudan, documented to have been committed overwhelmingly by the RSF, have been called genocide by the US government. The World's Carolyn Beeler talks with reporter Nicholas Niarchos, who went to Sudan, and whose story about Sudanese fleeing the Rapid Support Forces reveals the ideology that drives the RSF's violent campaign against various ethnic groups throughout the country.

Ethnic killings in Sudan, documented to have been committed overwhelmingly by the RSF, have been called genocide by the US government. The World's Carolyn Beeler talks with reporter Nicholas Niarchos, who went to Sudan, and whose story about Sudanese fleeing the Rapid Support Forces reveals the ideology that drives the RSF's violent campaign against various ethnic groups throughout the country.

The ideology behind the Rapid Support Forces' campaign of ethnic killing in Sudan

A current exhibit at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts puts Vincent Van Gogh's portraits of the Roulin family into important context. The French family made the Dutchman feel like he belonged, and their relationship lives on in touching letters. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

A current exhibit at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts puts Vincent Van Gogh's portraits of the Roulin family into important context. The French family made the Dutchman feel like he belonged, and their relationship lives on in touching letters. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

The deep friendship behind Van Gogh's portraits

Growing wildfires in Canada have forced widespread evacuations, with 17,000 people moved in Manitoba. Many of these people are from Canada's First Nations, in remote communities accessible only by single roads, boat or air. Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation is helping coordinate his community's evacuation. He tells The World's Carol Hills there is not enough accommodation, and resources are scarce as many communities need help.

Growing wildfires in Canada have forced widespread evacuations, with 17,000 people moved in Manitoba. Many of these people are from Canada's First Nations, in remote communities accessible only by single roads, boat or air. Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation is helping coordinate his community's evacuation. He tells The World's Carol Hills there is not enough accommodation, and resources are scarce as many communities need help.

Canadian wildfires force widespread evacuations

Under new UN-backed plans to streamline air travel, physical passports could become a thing of the past. The proposal from the The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) could lead to the most-dramatic shift in international air travel policy in decades, moving from a paper-based system to just facial recognition. The World's transportation correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

Under new UN-backed plans to streamline air travel, physical passports could become a thing of the past. The proposal from the The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) could lead to the most-dramatic shift in international air travel policy in decades, moving from a paper-based system to just facial recognition. The World's transportation correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

Get ready for a world without physical passports

Beginning July 1, the French will no longer be able to smoke in places where children might be, including on beaches and at parks, sports venues or bus stops. If you're asking "what could be more French than smoking," well the truth is that smoking is on the decline in France. Though, as hosts Carol Hills and Carolyn Beeler explain, you can still smoke at outdoor cafes.

Beginning July 1, the French will no longer be able to smoke in places where children might be, including on beaches and at parks, sports venues or bus stops. If you're asking "what could be more French than smoking," well the truth is that smoking is on the decline in France. Though, as hosts Carol Hills and Carolyn Beeler explain, you can still smoke at outdoor cafes.

France bans smoking in most public places

The White House says it's working on a ceasefire deal for Gaza, and that Israel has agreed to the proposal. Hamas is reportedly reviewing the offer, which would include a temporary truce and the release of Israeli hostages. Also this week, Israel announced an expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the biggest expansion of settlements in decades. They're considered illegal under international law. Noga Tarnopolsky is an Israeli reporter based in Jerusalem.

The White House says it's working on a ceasefire deal for Gaza, and that Israel has agreed to the proposal. Hamas is reportedly reviewing the offer, which would include a temporary truce and the release of Israeli hostages. Also this week, Israel announced an expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the biggest expansion of settlements in decades. They're considered illegal under international law. Noga Tarnopolsky is an Israeli reporter based in Jerusalem.