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.

The Israeli military pulled its forces back from parts of the central Gaza Strip. And earlier today, large crowds of Palestinians started walking back to their homes — or what's left of them — in Gaza City. Many Israelis and Palestinians are hoping this is the end of the war, not just another temporary truce. What comes next in the US-brokered peace plan? Early next week, all living hostages held in Gaza for the last two years are expected to be released, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will go free from Israeli jails. After that, there are lots of unanswered questions and potential roadblocks on the road to lasting peace. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

The Israeli military pulled its forces back from parts of the central Gaza Strip. And earlier today, large crowds of Palestinians started walking back to their homes — or what's left of them — in Gaza City. Many Israelis and Palestinians are hoping this is the end of the war, not just another temporary truce. What comes next in the US-brokered peace plan? Early next week, all living hostages held in Gaza for the last two years are expected to be released, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will go free from Israeli jails. After that, there are lots of unanswered questions and potential roadblocks on the road to lasting peace. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

A ceasefire in Gaza takes hold. But it's just a start.

Only an estimated 100,000 speak the Judeo-Spanish language known as Ladino, once common among Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana tells us her story.This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Only an estimated 100,000 speak the Judeo-Spanish language known as Ladino, once common among Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana tells us her story.
This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Saving the Ladino language, one song at a time

A NASA satellite dipped into Venus' upper atmosphere in the summer of 2020 and recorded radio waves. The agency translated those radio waves into sound waves, which revealed how Venus' atmosphere reacts to the sun. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, this gives scientists more insight into why Venus is so different from Earth, despite their similar sizes. When the probe flew super close to the sun, through its corona, the translated sounds were haunting.

A NASA satellite dipped into Venus' upper atmosphere in the summer of 2020 and recorded radio waves. The agency translated those radio waves into sound waves, which revealed how Venus' atmosphere reacts to the sun. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, this gives scientists more insight into why Venus is so different from Earth, despite their similar sizes. When the probe flew super close to the sun, through its corona, the translated sounds were haunting.

The spooky sounds near the sun

This week Australia signed major security deals with India and Papua New Guinea and there's one country that's not especially happy: China. The partnerships come amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Patricia O'Brien, an Australia and Pacific analyst at Georgetown University in Washington.

This week Australia signed major security deals with India and Papua New Guinea and there's one country that's not especially happy: China. The partnerships come amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Patricia O'Brien, an Australia and Pacific analyst at Georgetown University in Washington.

Australia signs security deals with India and Papua New Guinea

One of the potential sticking points in the proposal put forward by the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza is for Hamas to give up its weapons. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on what we know so far about this part of the negotiations.

One of the potential sticking points in the proposal put forward by the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza is for Hamas to give up its weapons. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on what we know so far about this part of the negotiations.

A sticking point in Trump's Gaza deal: disarming Hamas

China has expanded its restrictions on the export of rare earths, minerals critical for everything from electronics to renewable energy production. This comes weeks before talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jonathan Czin, China fellow at the Brookings Institution, about what this new restriction means.

China has expanded its restrictions on the export of rare earths, minerals critical for everything from electronics to renewable energy production. This comes weeks before talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jonathan Czin, China fellow at the Brookings Institution, about what this new restriction means.

Ahead of US talks, China expands restrictions on rare earth mineral exports

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long fight to restore democracy in her country. From hiding in Caracas, the 58-year-old called the award “an achievement of a whole society.” The honor shines new light on Venezuela’s political crisis — and on a woman many see as the enduring symbol of resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long fight to restore democracy in her country. From hiding in Caracas, the 58-year-old called the award “an achievement of a whole society.” The honor shines new light on Venezuela’s political crisis — and on a woman many see as the enduring symbol of resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

Venezuela's 'Iron Lady' wins the Nobel Peace Prize

In July, 24 European Union lawmakers agreed to undertake blood tests to check their bodies for “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. The chemicals have been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility. They are found in everything from nonstick frying pans to pizza boxes. This week, their test results came back. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

In July, 24 European Union lawmakers agreed to undertake blood tests to check their bodies for “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. The chemicals have been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility. They are found in everything from nonstick frying pans to pizza boxes. This week, their test results came back. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

European lawmakers' tests find 'forever chemicals' in their blood

Unending street protests, prime ministers forced to resign. France has had three prime ministers since snap elections in 2024 destabilized President Emmanuel Macron's centrist, business-friendly government. The instability continues as parties from the far-left to the far-right dig in their heels, hoping to topple Macron and scramble to the top of the political heap. The World's Gerry Hadden explains why this is making European leaders nervous.

Unending street protests, prime ministers forced to resign. France has had three prime ministers since snap elections in 2024 destabilized President Emmanuel Macron's centrist, business-friendly government. The instability continues as parties from the far-left to the far-right dig in their heels, hoping to topple Macron and scramble to the top of the political heap. The World's Gerry Hadden explains why this is making European leaders nervous.

Why we need to keep an eye on France's Emmanuel Macron

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace deal has gained momentum, but major obstacles still might block the plan's implementation. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the incentives pushing Hamas and Israel to comply with this agreement — and what happens if they don’t.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace deal has gained momentum, but major obstacles still might block the plan's implementation. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the incentives pushing Hamas and Israel to comply with this agreement — and what happens if they don’t.

'A very nervous time' for Gaza peace prospects

Earlier this week, a South American trade bloc ruled that Peru has violated its commitments to cracking down on illegal gold mining. This comes as the price of gold is skyrocketing. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, for details of what's happening along the Peruvian Amazon.

Earlier this week, a South American trade bloc ruled that Peru has violated its commitments to cracking down on illegal gold mining. This comes as the price of gold is skyrocketing. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, for details of what's happening along the Peruvian Amazon.

The price of gold skyrockets, fuels illegal mining in South America

Insect populations around the world are plummeting, even in areas meant to be protected from environmental harm. Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs, research partners and spouses, have watched this unfold for years from the Guancaste Preserve in Costa Rica. They spoke with The World's Host Marco Werman about their observations.

Insect populations around the world are plummeting, even in areas meant to be protected from environmental harm. Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs, research partners and spouses, have watched this unfold for years from the Guancaste Preserve in Costa Rica. They spoke with The World's Host Marco Werman about their observations.

Nature preserve in Costa Rica was meant to protect local ecosystem but insects are disappearing

The house where the great Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was born in 1841 has just reopened after years of renovation. The end result is an interactive, immersive audio journey through the composer’s early life, letting you hear the sounds that he heard — the hustle and bustle of the village inn, the trains rushing by outside, the peal of the church bells. Rob Cameron from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, was given a tour, and has this report.

The house where the great Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was born in 1841 has just reopened after years of renovation. The end result is an interactive, immersive audio journey through the composer’s early life, letting you hear the sounds that he heard — the hustle and bustle of the village inn, the trains rushing by outside, the peal of the church bells. Rob Cameron from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, was given a tour, and has this report.

Dvorak House reopens after years of renovation

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some sports headlines that might have flown under your radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some sports headlines that might have flown under your radar.

Sports news you may have missed

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel's army is to pull partially out of Gaza as a first step. People on both sides are cautiously optimistic. We have two reports with reactions from inside Israel and Gaza. The World's Matthew Bell looks at Israelis' thoughts. But first The World's Shirin Jaafari has been in touch with Palestinians inside Gaza and reports on how they're feeling.

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel's army is to pull partially out of Gaza as a first step. People on both sides are cautiously optimistic. We have two reports with reactions from inside Israel and Gaza. The World's Matthew Bell looks at Israelis' thoughts. But first The World's Shirin Jaafari has been in touch with Palestinians inside Gaza and reports on how they're feeling.

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Working as a foreigner in the US is getting harder, with the Trump administration cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration. In an announcement last month, the White House revamped the H-1B visa policy and announced that US companies that want to hire skilled foreign workers would have to pay $100,000 per visa application. The earlier fee ranged between $2,000 and $5,000. Priyanka Shankar reports from Bengaluru, India, where there's a mixture of resignation and defiance.

Working as a foreigner in the US is getting harder, with the Trump administration cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration. In an announcement last month, the White House revamped the H-1B visa policy and announced that US companies that want to hire skilled foreign workers would have to pay $100,000 per visa application. The earlier fee ranged between $2,000 and $5,000. Priyanka Shankar reports from Bengaluru, India, where there's a mixture of resignation and defiance.

H-1B visa fee makes US companies nervous, but they're fine in India

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party. A mom that went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party. A mom that went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Stories from the Stage: Hitchhiking adventure in Canada

A hundred years ago this month, the BBC began broadcasting the Shipping Forecast as a standalone nine-minute segment. It's become a favorite of many British people, both lovingly mocked and revered. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a look at the phenomenon — and how the forecast works.

A hundred years ago this month, the BBC began broadcasting the Shipping Forecast as a standalone nine-minute segment. It's become a favorite of many British people, both lovingly mocked and revered. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a look at the phenomenon — and how the forecast works.

BBC Shipping Forecast turns 100

FIFA, soccer's global governing body, has suspended seven members of Malaysia's men's national soccer team after an investigation found the country's soccer federation used fake birth certificates to claim the athletes' eligibility. The Malaysian soccer federation denies the allegations. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

FIFA, soccer's global governing body, has suspended seven members of Malaysia's men's national soccer team after an investigation found the country's soccer federation used fake birth certificates to claim the athletes' eligibility. The Malaysian soccer federation denies the allegations. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

FIFA suspends seven members of Malaysian national soccer team over alleged fake birth certificates

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you a few developments in science you may have missed in the news.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you a few developments in science you may have missed in the news.

The latest things in science

Gaza City is under relentless attack by the Israeli military, which appears intent on destroying its remaining residential buildings. That's according to Mohammed Aklouk, a father of three and longtime resident who has fled to the southern town of Deir al-Balah. Aklouk, a coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council, describes his family's escape to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Gaza City is under relentless attack by the Israeli military, which appears intent on destroying its remaining residential buildings. That's according to Mohammed Aklouk, a father of three and longtime resident who has fled to the southern town of Deir al-Balah. Aklouk, a coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council, describes his family's escape to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Father of three recounts agonizing decision to leave Gaza City

A midwife with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) in the North Darfur region of Sudan has described assisting a growing number of women experiencing sexual violence at the hands of militias. Speaking to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Chad's capital N'Djamena, Lucy Acibu's account comes a day after a Sudanese militia leader was convicted at the International Criminal Court on charges of mass murder and sexual violence going back to 2003. We hear first about this ruling from Kholood Khair. She’s the head of Confluence Advisory “a think and do tank” founded in Sudan, who joined from Nairobi, Kenya.

A midwife with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) in the North Darfur region of Sudan has described assisting a growing number of women experiencing sexual violence at the hands of militias. Speaking to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Chad's capital N'Djamena, Lucy Acibu's account comes a day after a Sudanese militia leader was convicted at the International Criminal Court on charges of mass murder and sexual violence going back to 2003. We hear first about this ruling from Kholood Khair. She’s the head of Confluence Advisory “a think and do tank” founded in Sudan, who joined from Nairobi, Kenya.

Midwife describes sexual violence and atrocities committed by militias in Sudan

On the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Susan Silverman in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman. Silverman reflects on how her worldview has shifted since that day and discusses the key inflection points when Israeli unity began to fracture into division.

On the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Susan Silverman in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman. Silverman reflects on how her worldview has shifted since that day and discusses the key inflection points when Israeli unity began to fracture into division.

'My priority has become protecting us'

Along India's Bay of Bengal, migrating elephants have arrived in a farming community — and they're destroying livelihoods while they're at it. But it hasn't been easy for the elephants, either. They've lost their native habitats, and the way climate change is progressing, that's likely to get worse — not better. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam followed two herds of elephants arriving in new territory, and brings us the story of how people are trying to respect the animals seeking refuge, while managing the crisis they've brought with them.

Along India's Bay of Bengal, migrating elephants have arrived in a farming community — and they're destroying livelihoods while they're at it. But it hasn't been easy for the elephants, either. They've lost their native habitats, and the way climate change is progressing, that's likely to get worse — not better. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam followed two herds of elephants arriving in new territory, and brings us the story of how people are trying to respect the animals seeking refuge, while managing the crisis they've brought with them.

Where elephants and humans come into conflict, solutions prove elusive

Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace. National authorities say that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, two of which ended up directly over the airport.

Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace.
National authorities say that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, two of which ended up directly over the airport.

Weather balloons disrupt flights at Vilnius Airport

The Trump administration recently named Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a "narco-terrorist" and concerns are growing in the country about whether US intentions go beyond a war on drugs. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, based in Caracas, about how people on the ground are reacting to a potential threat.

The Trump administration recently named Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a "narco-terrorist" and concerns are growing in the country about whether US intentions go beyond a war on drugs. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, based in Caracas, about how people on the ground are reacting to a potential threat.

Venezuelans have mixed reactions to rising tensions with US

Cocaine use across Europe has surged over the past decade and drug cartels are adapting fast. Once routed mainly through major ports in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, traffickers have recently set their sights on a smaller, more unexpected corner of western Europe. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Cocaine use across Europe has surged over the past decade and drug cartels are adapting fast. Once routed mainly through major ports in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, traffickers have recently set their sights on a smaller, more unexpected corner of western Europe. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Cocaine use in Europe soars as smugglers shift to new routes

A new report from the climate think tank Ember finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ember global program director Raul Miranda about what drove this change.

A new report from the climate think tank Ember finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ember global program director Raul Miranda about what drove this change.

In global electricity mix, renewables overtake coal for the first time

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.