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.

It's summer and the US and other countries are seeing a rise in rates of COVID-19. Could certain aspects of summer life be contributing: like huddling indoors with air conditioning? Or is it new variants? Host Carolyn Beeler explores these questions with Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health.

It's summer and the US and other countries are seeing a rise in rates of COVID-19. Could certain aspects of summer life be contributing: like huddling indoors with air conditioning? Or is it new variants? Host Carolyn Beeler explores these questions with Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health.

Summer spike in COVID-19

Later this year, Brazilian table tennis star, Bruna Alexandre, is going to become only the fourth person ever to compete in both the Olympics and the Paralympic Games. And the first Brazilian to ever do so. Michael Fox reports from her home state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, on her rise in the world of competitive table tennis.

Later this year, Brazilian table tennis star, Bruna Alexandre, is going to become only the fourth person ever to compete in both the Olympics and the Paralympic Games. And the first Brazilian to ever do so. Michael Fox reports from her home state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, on her rise in the world of competitive table tennis.

Brazilian table tennis star headed to both the Olympics and Paralympics

Computers at airlines, hospitals and governments that were protected by the cybersecurity platform CrowdStrike must be manually rebooted to incorporate the company's patch following the overnight release of a flawed software update which left individuals facing a blue screen Friday morning. Host Carol Hills speaks with Steven Murdoch — professor of security engineering and head of the Information Security Research Group of University College London — about the aftermath of the systems outage which has impacted Microsoft users worldwide.

Computers at airlines, hospitals and governments that were protected by the cybersecurity platform CrowdStrike must be manually rebooted to incorporate the company's patch following the overnight release of a flawed software update which left individuals facing a blue screen Friday morning. Host Carol Hills speaks with Steven Murdoch — professor of security engineering and head of the Information Security Research Group of University College London — about the aftermath of the systems outage which has impacted Microsoft users worldwide.

Crowdstrike cleanup

On Instagram, Princess Mahra al Maktoum made a post that recited one custom in conservative Islam that allows a husband to divorce his wife if he repeats, "I divorce you," out loud three times. It's reserved for men, but Princess Mahra flipped that. The post points to social and cultural underpinnings of the Dubai royal family's stage-managed public presence — and it's possible erosion.

On Instagram, Princess Mahra al Maktoum made a post that recited one custom in conservative Islam that allows a husband to divorce his wife if he repeats, "I divorce you," out loud three times. It's reserved for men, but Princess Mahra flipped that. The post points to social and cultural underpinnings of the Dubai royal family's stage-managed public presence — and it's possible erosion.

Royal princess defies norms in Dubai and publicly divorces husband

Mohammed Rezaie, a former Iranian navy captain who fled to Turkey, is pursued by a group of undercover Turkish operatives working for Iran. They nearly kidnap him, but Rezaie's suspicions of them help him escape. Reporter Fariba Nawa tells the story of how Rezaie survives.

Mohammed Rezaie, a former Iranian navy captain who fled to Turkey, is pursued by a group of undercover Turkish operatives working for Iran. They nearly kidnap him, but Rezaie's suspicions of them help him escape. Reporter Fariba Nawa tells the story of how Rezaie survives.

How an Iranian dissident foiled a kidnapping plot against him

Switzerland isn't a car country. It's train territory. Cars here are luxury items, and often unnecessary, thanks to robust public transit. So, a pop-up, drive-in movie series in Basel is kind of a novelty. But as reporter Gabe Bullard discovered, attendees really embrace 1950s Americana. Vintage cars included.

Switzerland isn't a car country. It's train territory. Cars here are luxury items, and often unnecessary, thanks to robust public transit. So, a pop-up, drive-in movie series in Basel is kind of a novelty. But as reporter Gabe Bullard discovered, attendees really embrace 1950s Americana. Vintage cars included.

In Switzerland, drive-in movies bring out the car lovers

The International Court of Justice issued a ruling on Friday saying that Israel's occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem is illegal and amounts to apartheid. Israel said the ICJ's decision was biased and "completely detached from reality." The World's host Carol Hills reports.

The International Court of Justice issued a ruling on Friday saying that Israel's occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem is illegal and amounts to apartheid. Israel said the ICJ's decision was biased and "completely detached from reality." The World's host Carol Hills reports.

Top UN court rules that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal

Earlier on Friday, Evan Gershkovich stood in a glass cage in Yekaterinburg, a city about 900 miles east of Moscow, as the court sentenced him to a 16-year prison term on espionage charges. The Wall Street Journal and the US government have called this a “sham trial” and vehemently deny the charges. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports on the plight of Gershkovich and other Americans detained in Russia on baseless charges.

Earlier on Friday, Evan Gershkovich stood in a glass cage in Yekaterinburg, a city about 900 miles east of Moscow, as the court sentenced him to a 16-year prison term on espionage charges. The Wall Street Journal and the US government have called this a “sham trial” and vehemently deny the charges. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports on the plight of Gershkovich and other Americans detained in Russia on baseless charges.

Wall Street Journal reporter sentenced to 16-year prison term in Russia

Siamese crocodiles are considered highly endangered and nearly went extinct in the 1990s. Now, through government and NGO decadeslong-conservation efforts, the Siamese crocodiles are making a comeback. Host Carol Hills reports.

Siamese crocodiles are considered highly endangered and nearly went extinct in the 1990s. Now, through government and NGO decadeslong-conservation efforts, the Siamese crocodiles are making a comeback. Host Carol Hills reports.

60 rare Siamese crocodiles hatched in Cambodia

A journalist who made fun of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's height must pay her 5,000 euros in damages. Host Carol Hills has the details.

A journalist who made fun of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's height must pay her 5,000 euros in damages. Host Carol Hills has the details.

Italian journalist fined for 'body shaming' prime minister

Israel's high-tech air defense system failed to stop a drone attack launched by the Houthi militia of Yemen on Thursday night. The strike killed one man in his apartment, and at least 10 others were injured. Nearly 10 months into the war between Hamas and Israel, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports that this attack fuels worries in Washington about the conflict spreading spreading into a wider regional war.

Israel's high-tech air defense system failed to stop a drone attack launched by the Houthi militia of Yemen on Thursday night. The strike killed one man in his apartment, and at least 10 others were injured. Nearly 10 months into the war between Hamas and Israel, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports that this attack fuels worries in Washington about the conflict spreading spreading into a wider regional war.

Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv kills 1 man, injures several more

In Uganda, motorcycles are one of the most-popular forms of public transport. In the capital city, Kampala, there are hundreds of thousands of them. Until recently, all of them were driven by men.  But that’s starting to change, with a new initiative to get women into the business. Anita Elash has the story from Kampala.

In Uganda, motorcycles are one of the most-popular forms of public transport. In the capital city, Kampala, there are hundreds of thousands of them. Until recently, all of them were driven by men.  But that’s starting to change, with a new initiative to get women into the business. Anita Elash has the story from Kampala.

Motorcycle taxis increasingly driven by women in Uganda

According to a report this week by the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers are purchasing fewer US homes right now. High interest rates and a strong US dollar are seen as the biggest factors in the drop in sales — the lowest since 2009. Host Marco Werman speaks with real estate professor Benjamin Keys, of the University of Pennsylvania, to understand what’s keeping foreign buyers from the US housing market.

According to a report this week by the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers are purchasing fewer US homes right now. High interest rates and a strong US dollar are seen as the biggest factors in the drop in sales — the lowest since 2009. Host Marco Werman speaks with real estate professor Benjamin Keys, of the University of Pennsylvania, to understand what’s keeping foreign buyers from the US housing market.

US home sales to foreign buyers drops

Former military staffer Kevin Dutremble wanted to work with refugees to learn more about US foreign policy. But the lessons he learned went much deeper than that. He shares his experience with Stories From The Stage, a storytelling project from GBH.

Former military staffer Kevin Dutremble wanted to work with refugees to learn more about US foreign policy. But the lessons he learned went much deeper than that. He shares his experience with Stories From The Stage, a storytelling project from GBH.

One man's world expands as he helps refugees settle in the US

The closing of the Acropolis in Greece is just one sign of a heat wave that's suffocating southern Europe this week. Meteorologists say temperatures are expected to keep hitting well into the triple digits through Sunday. Host Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

The closing of the Acropolis in Greece is just one sign of a heat wave that's suffocating southern Europe this week. Meteorologists say temperatures are expected to keep hitting well into the triple digits through Sunday. Host Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Heat clobbers southern Europe

Thousands of students armed with sticks and rocks have been clashing with armed police in the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, and across the country. The protests began with a demand to update a quota system for government jobs. Now, it has expanded to a demand for a stop to government repression. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Samina Luthfa, associate professor of sociology at the University of Dhaka about the protests and the lethal response by authorities.

Thousands of students armed with sticks and rocks have been clashing with armed police in the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, and across the country. The protests began with a demand to update a quota system for government jobs. Now, it has expanded to a demand for a stop to government repression. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Samina Luthfa, associate professor of sociology at the University of Dhaka about the protests and the lethal response by authorities.

Bangladesh quota protests

Several countries in Africa have moved toward protecting LGBTQ rights in recent years. But in about half of African nations, homosexuality is illegal. These legal codes make it difficult for many in LGBTQ communities to get the health services they need. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman looks into the problem of LGBTQ access to health care in Malawi.

Several countries in Africa have moved toward protecting LGBTQ rights in recent years. But in about half of African nations, homosexuality is illegal. These legal codes make it difficult for many in LGBTQ communities to get the health services they need. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman looks into the problem of LGBTQ access to health care in Malawi.

Discrimination against LGBTQ communities in Malawi limits access to health care

A report from Human Rights Watch details how El Salvador's war on gangs and waves of arrests have also targeted children, who are often detained and sentenced without due process. The abuse they face in prison can be harrowing. Host Marco Werman speaks with André Rangal, a communications director for Human Rights Watch, about the findings.

A report from Human Rights Watch details how El Salvador's war on gangs and waves of arrests have also targeted children, who are often detained and sentenced without due process. The abuse they face in prison can be harrowing. Host Marco Werman speaks with André Rangal, a communications director for Human Rights Watch, about the findings.

El Salvador is arresting and imprisoning children

In the northeast city of Girona, Spain, the ever-growing resentment toward overtourism has boiled over into acts of aggression against an unlikely demographic: people on bicycles. Girona has a been a hub for serious cyclists for decades. A new group has formed to keep out cyclists, and vandals are attacking local bike shops. The World's Gerry Hadden pays a visit to Girona to find out why.

In the northeast city of Girona, Spain, the ever-growing resentment toward overtourism has boiled over into acts of aggression against an unlikely demographic: people on bicycles. Girona has a been a hub for serious cyclists for decades. A new group has formed to keep out cyclists, and vandals are attacking local bike shops. The World's Gerry Hadden pays a visit to Girona to find out why.

Bicycle backlash in Girona, Spain

On Oct. 7, 39 workers from Thailand were murdered by Hamas in Israel. Another 31 were taken hostage into Gaza. So it's probably no surprise that around a third of the 30,000 strong community — which has been taking up agricultural jobs on Israel’s farms for decades — left the country in the aftermath of the attacks. Now, they’re coming back, in large part motivated by the financial incentives. Rebecca Rosman reports from Israel.

On Oct. 7, 39 workers from Thailand were murdered by Hamas in Israel. Another 31 were taken hostage into Gaza. So it's probably no surprise that around a third of the 30,000 strong community — which has been taking up agricultural jobs on Israel’s farms for decades — left the country in the aftermath of the attacks. Now, they’re coming back, in large part motivated by the financial incentives. Rebecca Rosman reports from Israel.

Thai workers return to farms in Israel

Robert Menendez , a New Jersey senator, and former head of the Senate foreign relations committee, has been convicted of bribery, fraud and extortion. The jury in the Manhattan court found Menendez guilty of acting on behalf of Egyptian intelligence and steering financial aid and weapons to the country. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Robert Menendez , a New Jersey senator, and former head of the Senate foreign relations committee, has been convicted of bribery, fraud and extortion. The jury in the Manhattan court found Menendez guilty of acting on behalf of Egyptian intelligence and steering financial aid and weapons to the country. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Bob Menendez convicted of corruption

Poppy seeds are a flavorful ingredient in Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning blend, and in South Korea, they are classified as a narcotic — which has led to a ban on importation of the product. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell how poppy seeds, beloved in cakes, muffins and on bagels, are now increasingly under scrutiny by authorities around the globe.

Poppy seeds are a flavorful ingredient in Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning blend, and in South Korea, they are classified as a narcotic — which has led to a ban on importation of the product. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell how poppy seeds, beloved in cakes, muffins and on bagels, are now increasingly under scrutiny by authorities around the globe.

Poppy seed seasoning banned by South Korea

Latinos make up a little more than 10% of North Carolina's population. But they're expected to play a key role in this November's election. The Biden campaign is using Spanish-language media to target Latino voters. Meanwhile, a conservative nonprofit called the LIBRE Initiative is playing a long game. It's not necessarily trying to get Latinos to vote for Donald Trump, but to embrace conservative ideas. WFAE's Steve Harrison reports from Chapel Hill.

Latinos make up a little more than 10% of North Carolina's population. But they're expected to play a key role in this November's election. The Biden campaign is using Spanish-language media to target Latino voters. Meanwhile, a conservative nonprofit called the LIBRE Initiative is playing a long game. It's not necessarily trying to get Latinos to vote for Donald Trump, but to embrace conservative ideas. WFAE's Steve Harrison reports from Chapel Hill.

North Carolina conservative group woos Latinos

California is in the middle of an ambitious plan to offer transitional kindergarten (TK) to all 4-year-olds by the 2025–26 school year. It's poised to be the largest free preschool program in the country. A lot of the kids heading to TK are dual-language learners. KQED's Daisy Nguyen reports on the challenges California faces as it tries to add a new grade to its sprawling public school system.

California is in the middle of an ambitious plan to offer transitional kindergarten (TK) to all 4-year-olds by the 2025–26 school year. It's poised to be the largest free preschool program in the country. A lot of the kids heading to TK are dual-language learners. KQED's Daisy Nguyen reports on the challenges California faces as it tries to add a new grade to its sprawling public school system.

The challenges of the nation's largest transitional kindergarten

The legendary singing couple from Mali, Amadou and Mariam, are back with a new single titled "Mogolu," which means "the people" in their language Bambara. It's an embrace of the connections that can be made simply by traveling and making human connections. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more on their story.

The legendary singing couple from Mali, Amadou and Mariam, are back with a new single titled "Mogolu," which means "the people" in their language Bambara. It's an embrace of the connections that can be made simply by traveling and making human connections. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more on their story.

Amadou and Mariam bring people together again

Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested as he was about to board a one-way flight back to Syria. Sheikh had been living in Los Angeles since 2020 and is accused of killing and torturing Syrian political dissidents. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mouaz Mustafa of the Syrian Emergency Taskforce about the role his organization played in the case against Sheikh.

Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested as he was about to board a one-way flight back to Syria. Sheikh had been living in Los Angeles since 2020 and is accused of killing and torturing Syrian political dissidents. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mouaz Mustafa of the Syrian Emergency Taskforce about the role his organization played in the case against Sheikh.

Former Syrian regime official arrested in Los Angeles

Friends and enemies alike spy on each other across the globe. But in the tense relationship between the US and China, spycraft takes on a more complicated and dangerous dimension. The World's Marco Werman talks espionage with journalist Jane Perlez, host of the podcast “Face Off: The US versus China.”

Friends and enemies alike spy on each other across the globe. But in the tense relationship between the US and China, spycraft takes on a more complicated and dangerous dimension. The World's Marco Werman talks espionage with journalist Jane Perlez, host of the podcast “Face Off: The US versus China.”

China's espionage program

Pastor Khader Khalilia has spent the last decade educating his congregation at Redeemer-St John’s Lutheran Church in Dyker Heights, New York. For starters, many of his congregants initially assumed that all Palestinians were Muslims. Khalilia speaks with The World’s Marco Werman about challenges he’s encountered as one of the few Palestinian faith leaders in the US to lead a Christian church.

Pastor Khader Khalilia has spent the last decade educating his congregation at Redeemer-St John’s Lutheran Church in Dyker Heights, New York. For starters, many of his congregants initially assumed that all Palestinians were Muslims. Khalilia speaks with The World’s Marco Werman about challenges he’s encountered as one of the few Palestinian faith leaders in the US to lead a Christian church.

Palestinian-American pastor enlightens congregation

Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro is under major pressure. The country will hold elections on July 28, and he’s performing badly in the polls. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela’s economy collapsed, oppression increased, and about 20% of the country’s population left. A diaspora of millions of people could have been crucial for the electoral outcome. But as The World’s Tibisay Zea reports, most Venezuelans living abroad were not allowed to register to vote.

Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro is under major pressure. The country will hold elections on July 28, and he’s performing badly in the polls. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela’s economy collapsed, oppression increased, and about 20% of the country’s population left. A diaspora of millions of people could have been crucial for the electoral outcome. But as The World’s Tibisay Zea reports, most Venezuelans living abroad were not allowed to register to vote.

Millions of Venezuelans living abroad won't be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election

A court in Moscow handed Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen an eight-year prison term in absentia for criticizing the Russian military. The case stems from a YouTube interview Gessen conducted in 2022 with anti-war Russian blogger Yuri Dud. Gessen, who lives in the US and is a columnist for The New York Times, is unlikely to be imprisoned unless they travel to a country with an extradition treaty with Russia.

A court in Moscow handed Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen an eight-year prison term in absentia for criticizing the Russian military. The case stems from a YouTube interview Gessen conducted in 2022 with anti-war Russian blogger Yuri Dud. Gessen, who lives in the US and is a columnist for The New York Times, is unlikely to be imprisoned unless they travel to a country with an extradition treaty with Russia.