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.

This time last year, Thailand emerged from a decadelong stretch of military-installed rulers. Many hoped for a new era of democracy. They’re no longer so optimistic. In recent weeks, the country’s most-popular political party was dissolved — and the prime minister was forced to quit — because unelected judges declared them unfit to govern. Less than two weeks in, the new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is already facing a complaint that would dissolve her party. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, many Thais are now asking: what’s the point of voting?

This time last year, Thailand emerged from a decadelong stretch of military-installed rulers. Many hoped for a new era of democracy. They’re no longer so optimistic. In recent weeks, the country’s most-popular political party was dissolved — and the prime minister was forced to quit — because unelected judges declared them unfit to govern. Less than two weeks in, the new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is already facing a complaint that would dissolve her party. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, many Thais are now asking: what’s the point of voting?

Thailand's new prime minister is already mired in controversy

The red dwarf honeybee, known to aggressively defend patches of flowers against other insects, has been found in Malta. This is the first time it’s been detected in Europe. Host Carol Hills finds out how researchers are approaching this development with Dave Goulson, a professor at the University of Sussex and the author of multiple books about bees.

The red dwarf honeybee, known to aggressively defend patches of flowers against other insects, has been found in Malta. This is the first time it’s been detected in Europe. Host Carol Hills finds out how researchers are approaching this development with Dave Goulson, a professor at the University of Sussex and the author of multiple books about bees.

A new kind of honeybee discovered in Europe

Australia's annual Garage Sale Trail is the Godzilla of all garage sales. Once a year, more than 15,000 garage sales pop up across the country. Last fall, The World's Sarah Birnbaum hit the trail in Sydney to see what she could score.

Australia's annual Garage Sale Trail is the Godzilla of all garage sales. Once a year, more than 15,000 garage sales pop up across the country. Last fall, The World's Sarah Birnbaum hit the trail in Sydney to see what she could score.

Scouring a nationwide garage sale in Australia

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are scrambling to administer a vaccination campaign in Gaza during a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. Host Carol Hills speaks with Ricardo Pires, a spokesperson with UNICEF, about the urgency of vaccinating children there for polio, as well as the logistics required to pull it off.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are scrambling to administer a vaccination campaign in Gaza during a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. Host Carol Hills speaks with Ricardo Pires, a spokesperson with UNICEF, about the urgency of vaccinating children there for polio, as well as the logistics required to pull it off.

How to vaccinate children in a war zone

A white nationalist group in the US known as the Groypers has inspired similar groups in Canada, Ireland, the UK and Portugal. Heidi Beirich at the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has written about the Groypers and other right-wing extremist groups. She joins host Carol Hills for a conversation about how and why these movements are spreading worldwide.

A white nationalist group in the US known as the Groypers has inspired similar groups in Canada, Ireland, the UK and Portugal. Heidi Beirich at the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has written about the Groypers and other right-wing extremist groups. She joins host Carol Hills for a conversation about how and why these movements are spreading worldwide.

Far-right extremism on the world stage

Jamal Hill is a Paralympic bronze medalist in swimming. Now in Paris, he hopes to add another medal to his resume. But he has another goal, too: teaching one million people across the globe to swim. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Jamal Hill is a Paralympic bronze medalist in swimming. Now in Paris, he hopes to add another medal to his resume. But he has another goal, too: teaching one million people across the globe to swim. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

A Paralympian teaches people around the world to swim

Scientists have discovered 1,705 viruses frozen in the depths of a glacier in Tibet. They go back as far as 41,000 years. And they carry long-held secrets about the planet. Ohio State University microbiology professor Matt Sullivan was a lead researcher on the study and discusses the findings with host Carol Hills.

Scientists have discovered 1,705 viruses frozen in the depths of a glacier in Tibet. They go back as far as 41,000 years. And they carry long-held secrets about the planet. Ohio State University microbiology professor Matt Sullivan was a lead researcher on the study and discusses the findings with host Carol Hills.

Scientists find ancient viruses frozen in a Tibet glacier

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was constructed over a natural spring that is sacred for Istanbul's Greek Orthodox community. On the first day of every month, hundreds of visitors of all faiths come to make a wish. When a wish comes true, the faithful bring sweets to share. The World's Durrie Bouscaren paid a visit.

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was constructed over a natural spring that is sacred for Istanbul's Greek Orthodox community. On the first day of every month, hundreds of visitors of all faiths come to make a wish. When a wish comes true, the faithful bring sweets to share. The World's Durrie Bouscaren paid a visit.

The church in Turkey where people go to make wishes

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.

A K-pop band performs in sign language

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

A form of public dancing that is very popular among retirees in China has become an Instagram and TikTok sensation, particularly for Westerners surprised to see "uncles and aunties" getting down to Nikki Minaj. Lauren Tran-Muchowski went to some of the dance sessions at a park, and what she witnessed stood out to her as a reaction to the consumerism, urbanism and isolation of Chinese cities.

A form of public dancing that is very popular among retirees in China has become an Instagram and TikTok sensation, particularly for Westerners surprised to see "uncles and aunties" getting down to Nikki Minaj. Lauren Tran-Muchowski went to some of the dance sessions at a park, and what she witnessed stood out to her as a reaction to the consumerism, urbanism and isolation of Chinese cities.

Why retirees gather in Shanghai parks to dance to pop music

The critical task of recovering highly radioactive fuel debris from Japan's decommissioned Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant has been put on hold, 13 years after it was badly damaged by a tsunami. The long process of recovery is complicated by the fact that cleaning up requires doing things that have never been done before. Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from Lake Barrett, a retired nuclear engineer and internationally recognized expert on damaged nuclear reactors. He has advised the Japanese government on the cleanup at Fukushima and was director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Three Mile Island Cleanup Site Office from 1980 to 1984.

The critical task of recovering highly radioactive fuel debris from Japan's decommissioned Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant has been put on hold, 13 years after it was badly damaged by a tsunami. The long process of recovery is complicated by the fact that cleaning up requires doing things that have never been done before. Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from Lake Barrett, a retired nuclear engineer and internationally recognized expert on damaged nuclear reactors. He has advised the Japanese government on the cleanup at Fukushima and was director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Three Mile Island Cleanup Site Office from 1980 to 1984.

A robotic attempt to get a sample of melted fuel from a damaged Fukushima reactor is suspended

In Turkey and much of the Middle East, buffalo milk is used for yogurt, cheese and a thick, clotted cream known as kaymak. Many buffalo herds are raised in the verdant rural outskirts of Istanbul, which are increasingly under threat by urban sprawl and government projects. The World's Durrie Bouscaren visited the buffalo herding village of Ağaçli to find out more.

In Turkey and much of the Middle East, buffalo milk is used for yogurt, cheese and a thick, clotted cream known as kaymak. Many buffalo herds are raised in the verdant rural outskirts of Istanbul, which are increasingly under threat by urban sprawl and government projects. The World's Durrie Bouscaren visited the buffalo herding village of Ağaçli to find out more.

Outside Istanbul, water buffalo herders cling to an old way of life

A cruise ship full of passengers has been stuck in Belfast, Ireland, for three months. A vessel called the Odyssey was meant to leave port in Belfast in May for a three-year voyage, but mechanical problems and delays have piled up. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on how the passengers are handling this unexpected turn of events.

A cruise ship full of passengers has been stuck in Belfast, Ireland, for three months. A vessel called the Odyssey was meant to leave port in Belfast in May for a three-year voyage, but mechanical problems and delays have piled up. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on how the passengers are handling this unexpected turn of events.

Tourists still stuck on cruise ship in Belfast

One third of the world has no internet connection, but researchers are proposing — and testing — airborne communications stations that may someday play a role in providing access to people in rural areas or disaster zones. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mariette DiChristina, dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, about high altitude telecommunications platforms.

One third of the world has no internet connection, but researchers are proposing — and testing — airborne communications stations that may someday play a role in providing access to people in rural areas or disaster zones. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mariette DiChristina, dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, about high altitude telecommunications platforms.

Bringing internet access to unconnected places

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday found two local journalists from the shuttered Stand News guilty of conspiring to publish seditious materials. That's a first for Hong Kong since it came back under Chinese control. Eleven articles published by the former Stand News were found to be seditious by the court. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Tom Grundy, director of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the case and its implications.

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday found two local journalists from the shuttered Stand News guilty of conspiring to publish seditious materials. That's a first for Hong Kong since it came back under Chinese control. Eleven articles published by the former Stand News were found to be seditious by the court. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Tom Grundy, director of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the case and its implications.

Hong Kong court finds journalists guilty of sedition

The Black Axe is an organized crime group that originated in Nigeria and has opened overseas operations built around financial fraud and money laundering. Interpol has been raiding and arresting the group's members abroad in an apparent effort to break up its illegal activity. Host Marco Werman discusses the situation with Oluwole Ojewale, an expert on organized crime at the Institute for Security Studies.

The Black Axe is an organized crime group that originated in Nigeria and has opened overseas operations built around financial fraud and money laundering. Interpol has been raiding and arresting the group's members abroad in an apparent effort to break up its illegal activity. Host Marco Werman discusses the situation with Oluwole Ojewale, an expert on organized crime at the Institute for Security Studies.

Interpol cracks down on Nigerian organized crime group Black Axe

This week marks 500 days of civil war in Sudan. The fighting has killed countless civilians and created the worst internal displacement crisis in the world. There have been several international attempts at brokering peace, most recently in Geneva. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi brings us this update.

This week marks 500 days of civil war in Sudan. The fighting has killed countless civilians and created the worst internal displacement crisis in the world. There have been several international attempts at brokering peace, most recently in Geneva. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi brings us this update.

500 days of war in Sudan

A baby has contracted the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. And now, the World Health Organization has announced plans for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, in order to get young children vaccinated. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

A baby has contracted the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. And now, the World Health Organization has announced plans for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, in order to get young children vaccinated. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Fighting set to pause in Gaza for polio vaccination

When the Taliban took control Afghanistan three years ago, one of the first policy changes was to ban public education for girls and women beyond sixth grade. In the years since, those laws have become more restrictive, and they're enforced more stringently. Reporter Khwaga Ghani brings us the story of a woman who continues to secretly educate girls in defiance of the law, despite mounting risks and obstacles.

When the Taliban took control Afghanistan three years ago, one of the first policy changes was to ban public education for girls and women beyond sixth grade. In the years since, those laws have become more restrictive, and they're enforced more stringently. Reporter Khwaga Ghani brings us the story of a woman who continues to secretly educate girls in defiance of the law, despite mounting risks and obstacles.

As Taliban tightens grip, secret schools for girls become more dangerous to run

Mount Everest has a lot of claims to fame. Among them: the vast quantity of trash left behind by climbers. For years, local Sherpas and volunteers have been clearing trash from the mountain, which is arduous and exhausting — at best — and even deadly, at worst. Come autumn, Nepal will deploy drones to help carry the load. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more.

Mount Everest has a lot of claims to fame. Among them: the vast quantity of trash left behind by climbers. For years, local Sherpas and volunteers have been clearing trash from the mountain, which is arduous and exhausting — at best — and even deadly, at worst. Come autumn, Nepal will deploy drones to help carry the load. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more.

Drones bring down trash from Mount Everest

China is increasingly front and center on the world stage, challenging Western dominance and critiquing liberal democracies. At the same time, the nation is struggling to address the demands of its citizens. Marco Werman looks back on the past six transformative years for China with David Rennie, The Economist’s outgoing Beijing bureau chief.

China is increasingly front and center on the world stage, challenging Western dominance and critiquing liberal democracies. At the same time, the nation is struggling to address the demands of its citizens. Marco Werman looks back on the past six transformative years for China with David Rennie, The Economist’s outgoing Beijing bureau chief.

China's complicated rise as a global power

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. In this edition: knee surgery for the Dalai Lama, dinosaur prints, what happens when a child breaks a museum object, and more.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. In this edition: knee surgery for the Dalai Lama, dinosaur prints, what happens when a child breaks a museum object, and more.

Things you might have missed

The globe is digitally connected through 750,000 miles of undersea fiber-optic cables. They are vulnerable to accidental disruption like natural disasters or the anchors of ships. But they are also increasingly an arena of competition and sabotage among big powers. Marco Werman discusses those power dynamics with Erin Murphy, a senior fellow for the Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the co-author of a new CSIS report called "Safeguarding Subsea Cables: Protecting Cyber Infrastructure Amid Great Power Competition."

The globe is digitally connected through 750,000 miles of undersea fiber-optic cables. They are vulnerable to accidental disruption like natural disasters or the anchors of ships. But they are also increasingly an arena of competition and sabotage among big powers. Marco Werman discusses those power dynamics with Erin Murphy, a senior fellow for the Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the co-author of a new CSIS report called "Safeguarding Subsea Cables: Protecting Cyber Infrastructure Amid Great Power Competition."

Fiber-optic cables and the power struggle underwater

A new analysis of Canada's 2023 wildfires shows that the amount of carbon released during that devastating season approached the total annual carbon emissions of the world's most populous nation, India. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain the sobering data, which suggest that the forests' important role as "carbon sinks" might be in peril.

A new analysis of Canada's 2023 wildfires shows that the amount of carbon released during that devastating season approached the total annual carbon emissions of the world's most populous nation, India. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain the sobering data, which suggest that the forests' important role as "carbon sinks" might be in peril.

New study shows environmental impact of Canadian wildfires

The sporting world is once again setting its sights on Paris. This time, it's the 2024 Summer Paralympics kicking off with an opening ceremony along the Champs-Elysees. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about some of the top athletes to watch.

The sporting world is once again setting its sights on Paris. This time, it's the 2024 Summer Paralympics kicking off with an opening ceremony along the Champs-Elysees. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about some of the top athletes to watch.

2024 Paralympics kick off in Paris

Israel's military carried out raids in the occupied West Bank Tuesday night, into Wednesday morning, targeting militants in the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Tulkaram. Nine people reportedly died. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Palestinian journalist Fatima AbdulKarim about the specifics of the raids, and the situation on the ground in the West Bank.

Israel's military carried out raids in the occupied West Bank Tuesday night, into Wednesday morning, targeting militants in the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Tulkaram. Nine people reportedly died. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Palestinian journalist Fatima AbdulKarim about the specifics of the raids, and the situation on the ground in the West Bank.

Deadly raids in the West Bank

People living in tropical regions have long lived with the threat of mosquito-borne illness. They've also developed ways of dealing with the health risks associated with them. As warming temperatures bring both the mosquitos and the diseases they carry to the Northern Hemisphere, host Marco Werman speaks with Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, for a crash course in best practices for protecting oneself from mosquitoes in the midst of malaria, West Nile virus, and other dangerous diseases.

People living in tropical regions have long lived with the threat of mosquito-borne illness. They've also developed ways of dealing with the health risks associated with them. As warming temperatures bring both the mosquitos and the diseases they carry to the Northern Hemisphere, host Marco Werman speaks with Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, for a crash course in best practices for protecting oneself from mosquitoes in the midst of malaria, West Nile virus, and other dangerous diseases.

Mosquito protection around the world

The Arbaat Dam in northern Sudan collapsed over the weekend following a surge in floodwaters. The infrastructure failure wiped out entire villages and left 30 people dead. More than 150 people are also missing in the aftermath of the disaster. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mathilde Vu, Sudan advocacy manager with NRC, about how people in the affected regions are coping with deadly flooding amid an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The Arbaat Dam in northern Sudan collapsed over the weekend following a surge in floodwaters. The infrastructure failure wiped out entire villages and left 30 people dead. More than 150 people are also missing in the aftermath of the disaster. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mathilde Vu, Sudan advocacy manager with NRC, about how people in the affected regions are coping with deadly flooding amid an already dire humanitarian crisis.

A dam collapse in Sudan leads to worsening humanitarian crisis

Although Africa is the only place where mpox is endemic, the continent currently relies on vaccines shipped in from abroad to stop the spread. Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helen Rees, a global health expert and the co-chair of the National Department Mpox Incident Management Team overseeing South Africa’s mpox response about what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about making vaccines available where they're needed — and why those lessons aren't consistently being implemented now.

Although Africa is the only place where mpox is endemic, the continent currently relies on vaccines shipped in from abroad to stop the spread. Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helen Rees, a global health expert and the co-chair of the National Department Mpox Incident Management Team overseeing South Africa’s mpox response about what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about making vaccines available where they're needed — and why those lessons aren't consistently being implemented now.