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.

From the first green plums of spring to late summer pomegranates, a seven-acre public fruit garden in Istanbul, Turkey, allows visitors to pick their own produce. The project is part of a growing global trend to plant fruit trees in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. But it's not an entirely new practice. Centuries ago, most humans probably had a "food forest" right next door. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

From the first green plums of spring to late summer pomegranates, a seven-acre public fruit garden in Istanbul, Turkey, allows visitors to pick their own produce. The project is part of a growing global trend to plant fruit trees in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. But it's not an entirely new practice. Centuries ago, most humans probably had a "food forest" right next door. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Istanbul's free public orchard has ancient roots

Two years have passed since the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, was killed in a suspicious plane crash. Since then, Wagner forces deployed in the West African country of Mali have "melted down" says a new investigative report from The Sentry. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The Sentry's executive director, Justyna Gudzowska.

Two years have passed since the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, was killed in a suspicious plane crash. Since then, Wagner forces deployed in the West African country of Mali have "melted down" says a new investigative report from The Sentry. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The Sentry's executive director, Justyna Gudzowska.

Wagner Group's 'meltdown' in Mali

The Circling Sun is a jazz collective that hails from Auckland, New Zealand, or as the ensemble refers to its country in the Maori language: Aotearoa. There are nods in the music to Maori culture, but the group's main influence is Brazilian jazz from the 1970s. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give the group a listen.

The Circling Sun is a jazz collective that hails from Auckland, New Zealand, or as the ensemble refers to its country in the Maori language: Aotearoa. There are nods in the music to Maori culture, but the group's main influence is Brazilian jazz from the 1970s. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give the group a listen.

A taste of a New Zealand jazz ensemble's music

If you flew anywhere this summer, you were probably offered the option of buying a carbon offset when you bought your tickets. It's an option that's marketed as a way to support forestry or renewable energy projects, to offset the carbon emissions of the trip you're taking. Deutsche Welle, DW's Kathleen Schuster examined whether offset credits actually do what they promise, in this excerpt from the DW's environment podcast "Living Planet."

If you flew anywhere this summer, you were probably offered the option of buying a carbon offset when you bought your tickets. It's an option that's marketed as a way to support forestry or renewable energy projects, to offset the carbon emissions of the trip you're taking. Deutsche Welle, DW's Kathleen Schuster examined whether offset credits actually do what they promise, in this excerpt from the DW's environment podcast "Living Planet."

A look at what carbon offset projects do — and don't — accomplish

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has taken flak for filming scenes for an epic reimagining of Homer's "The Odyssey" in Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Morocco. Activists warn that Morocco doesn't give human rights observers and journalists the same warm welcome Nolan received. The World's Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She's based in Madrid.

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has taken flak for filming scenes for an epic reimagining of Homer's "The Odyssey" in Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Morocco. Activists warn that Morocco doesn't give human rights observers and journalists the same warm welcome Nolan received. The World's Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She's based in Madrid.

A film crew shooting scenes in Western Sahara sparks controversy

Like many contact sports, rugby has a high risk of injury. One of the most serious ones players face is a concussion. Now, at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, a new tool could help reduce the risk of concussions on the field. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Like many contact sports, rugby has a high risk of injury. One of the most serious ones players face is a concussion. Now, at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, a new tool could help reduce the risk of concussions on the field. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

In rugby, new mouth guards flash to warn of possible concussions

Some foreign shippers are suspending US package deliveries as a customs tax exemption for low-value goods comes to an end this Friday. Andy Wu, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications of the global delivery pause.

Some foreign shippers are suspending US package deliveries as a customs tax exemption for low-value goods comes to an end this Friday. Andy Wu, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications of the global delivery pause.

International deliveries in limbo due to tariffs

Israel yesterday fired two missiles at a Gaza hospital where journalists had gathered to film and report on the war in Gaza. Israel says the attack was a mistake and deeply regrets the action. As The World's Marco Werman explains, 20 people were killed including five well-marked journalists, sparking widespread condemnation.

Israel yesterday fired two missiles at a Gaza hospital where journalists had gathered to film and report on the war in Gaza. Israel says the attack was a mistake and deeply regrets the action. As The World's Marco Werman explains, 20 people were killed including five well-marked journalists, sparking widespread condemnation.

Israel widely condemned for missile strikes that kill five journalists

A bloody civil war is ripping through one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels, just 600 miles from the US border. In the city of Culiacán, in western Mexico, thousands have been killed or disappeared since violence erupted a year ago. Reporter Tibisay Zea visits the city to hear how daily life has been reshaped by fear, grief and economic collapse.

A bloody civil war is ripping through one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels, just 600 miles from the US border. In the city of Culiacán, in western Mexico, thousands have been killed or disappeared since violence erupted a year ago. Reporter Tibisay Zea visits the city to hear how daily life has been reshaped by fear, grief and economic collapse.

An update one year into Sinaloa's brutal war

It started with an accidental fire, and it's led to a new way of holding foreign governments accountable. A wildfire in central Kenya, four years ago, destroyed 12,000 acres of land. The blaze was started by a British soldier's kerosene stove. Now, the British government has agreed to settle a civil lawsuit over the fire.

It started with an accidental fire, and it's led to a new way of holding foreign governments accountable. A wildfire in central Kenya, four years ago, destroyed 12,000 acres of land. The blaze was started by a British soldier's kerosene stove. Now, the British government has agreed to settle a civil lawsuit over the fire.

Britain agrees to settlement with Kenya

“I hope that one day, even for just one day, I could sleep peacefully, without fear.” That’s a statement from a 19-year-old who has been living through Israel’s war in Gaza for the past 22 months. For those living in war zones, a comfortable night’s sleep can be nearly impossible. From Ukraine to Gaza, fighting continues at night and it robs people of one of the most basic human needs. The World’s Shirin Jaafari has the story.

“I hope that one day, even for just one day, I could sleep peacefully, without fear.” That’s a statement from a 19-year-old who has been living through Israel’s war in Gaza for the past 22 months. For those living in war zones, a comfortable night’s sleep can be nearly impossible. From Ukraine to Gaza, fighting continues at night and it robs people of one of the most basic human needs. The World’s Shirin Jaafari has the story.

Peaceful sleep is a dream in war zones

There’s been an uptick in pirate attacks on shipping through the Strait of Malacca. That's according to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia. Host Marco Werman dug into that news with Peter Lehr, an expert in modern piracy and maritime terrorism at the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland.

There’s been an uptick in pirate attacks on shipping through the Strait of Malacca. That's according to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia. Host Marco Werman dug into that news with Peter Lehr, an expert in modern piracy and maritime terrorism at the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland.

Piracy on the rise in the Strait of Malacca

The case of an elderly man found criminally guilty — then aquitted — of killing an intruder on his property must still pay civil damages to the victim's family. Lacking the money, he and his lawyers decided to channel outrage on the political right into a GoFundMe campaign. And it's working. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The case of an elderly man found criminally guilty — then aquitted — of killing an intruder on his property must still pay civil damages to the victim's family. Lacking the money, he and his lawyers decided to channel outrage on the political right into a GoFundMe campaign. And it's working. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Crowdfunding used to compensate the family of a murder victim in Spain

India's parliament has banned online gambling platforms. Of particular concern to the Indian tech industry is the hit to fantasy sports platforms, including popular, homegrown cricket apps.  Manoj Sharma, a professor of social and behavioral health at the University of Nevada, tells The World's Host Marco Werman how the ban gained momentum in the first place: Online gaming losses, he says, have devastated lives for many middle-class Indian families.

India's parliament has banned online gambling platforms. Of particular concern to the Indian tech industry is the hit to fantasy sports platforms, including popular, homegrown cricket apps.  Manoj Sharma, a professor of social and behavioral health at the University of Nevada, tells The World's Host Marco Werman how the ban gained momentum in the first place: Online gaming losses, he says, have devastated lives for many middle-class Indian families.

India bans online gambling

Making coffins is a grim job, but one could argue that someone has to do it. And in Ghana, coffin makers have turned it into an art form — building fantasy coffins despite the occasional raised eyebrows. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman's story is a favorite from The World's archives.This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2022.

Making coffins is a grim job, but one could argue that someone has to do it. And in Ghana, coffin makers have turned it into an art form — building fantasy coffins despite the occasional raised eyebrows. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman's story is a favorite from The World's archives.
This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2022.

Ghana’s fantasy coffins

Tens of thousands of people worldwide are being pushed to the edge of starvation due to drought. In some places, drought conditions are harming wildlife, livestock and straining ecosystems. But not all of these droughts are the same. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with professor Melinda Smith of Colorado State University about the many different types of droughts, how they affect the environment and why understanding the differences is key to building resilience.

Tens of thousands of people worldwide are being pushed to the edge of starvation due to drought. In some places, drought conditions are harming wildlife, livestock and straining ecosystems. But not all of these droughts are the same. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with professor Melinda Smith of Colorado State University about the many different types of droughts, how they affect the environment and why understanding the differences is key to building resilience.

Why one drought is not like another

Host Marco Werman introduces us to Leonid &amp; Friends, an ensemble of Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan musicians who cover American pop music.

Host Marco Werman introduces us to Leonid & Friends, an ensemble of Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan musicians who cover American pop music.

A musical collaboration between Ukrainian, Moldovan and Russian artists

Just over a year ago, US authorities arrested one of Mexico's most notorious drug cartel leaders: Ismael Zambada — aka, "El Mayo." Yesterday, the 75-year old pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and more, and apologized for his crimes. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

Just over a year ago, US authorities arrested one of Mexico's most notorious drug cartel leaders: Ismael Zambada — aka, "El Mayo." Yesterday, the 75-year old pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and more, and apologized for his crimes. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

A cartel leader, found guilty, apologizes

Japan recently opened its first power plant to run on osmotic power, which uses the natural process of osmosis to produce electricity. The first operational osmotic power plant opened in Denmark a couple of years ago, and some see this so-called "blue energy" as another sustainable source of power. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Bruce Logan, a professor of Environmental Engineering at Penn State.

Japan recently opened its first power plant to run on osmotic power, which uses the natural process of osmosis to produce electricity. The first operational osmotic power plant opened in Denmark a couple of years ago, and some see this so-called "blue energy" as another sustainable source of power. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Bruce Logan, a professor of Environmental Engineering at Penn State.

Japan opens world's second osmotic power plant

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel and, on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel and, on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

SFTS: Finding hospitality in an unknown place in India

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest and facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election. The case has split the country and drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump — who has imposed tariffs and called the prosecution a “witch hunt.” In Brazil, people are debating what justice, accountability and democracy really mean. Reporter Tibisay Zea takes us to the streets of São Paulo, where voices on both sides speak out.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest and facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election. The case has split the country and drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump — who has imposed tariffs and called the prosecution a “witch hunt.” In Brazil, people are debating what justice, accountability and democracy really mean. Reporter Tibisay Zea takes us to the streets of São Paulo, where voices on both sides speak out.

A defining test for Brazilian democracy

Tensions are escalating between the US and Venezuela. In recent weeks, the US sent warships to waters off Venezuela's coast. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on Venezuelans to join the civilian militia, with thousands of people signing up over the weekend. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with professor and Venezuela expert David Smilde about what is driving this conflict.

Tensions are escalating between the US and Venezuela. In recent weeks, the US sent warships to waters off Venezuela's coast. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on Venezuelans to join the civilian militia, with thousands of people signing up over the weekend. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with professor and Venezuela expert David Smilde about what is driving this conflict.

Tensions between Venezuela and US escalate with warships and militia

The Lithuanian capital Vilnius hosted a corgi competition over the weekend. There were featured costume contests, time trials and races. More than a hundred of the cute, "vertically-challenged" Welsh dogs turned out for the event, coming from more than a half dozen countries. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The Lithuanian capital Vilnius hosted a corgi competition over the weekend. There were featured costume contests, time trials and races. More than a hundred of the cute, "vertically-challenged" Welsh dogs turned out for the event, coming from more than a half dozen countries. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Short legs but big dreams at the corgi competition

As the Trump administration ramps up immigration arrests, flooding the streets of Los Angeles with masked agents, it's stripping half a million people of protections that allowed them to enter the country legally. One of those people is a Nicaraguan journalist who escaped a crackdown on the free press in her homeland, and recently landed in the Bay Area. From KQED in San Francisco Tyche Hendricks reports.

As the Trump administration ramps up immigration arrests, flooding the streets of Los Angeles with masked agents, it's stripping half a million people of protections that allowed them to enter the country legally. One of those people is a Nicaraguan journalist who escaped a crackdown on the free press in her homeland, and recently landed in the Bay Area. From KQED in San Francisco Tyche Hendricks reports.

Journalists desperate for asylum caught up in US administration's net

South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung met US President Donald Trump today at the White House. There was a lot riding on the summit, which was the first time Lee sat down with Trump face-to-face. The meeting did not break major news, but it appeared to go well after Lee showered praise on Trump for his global leadership. The World's Matthew Bell talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the meeting.

South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung met US President Donald Trump today at the White House. There was a lot riding on the summit, which was the first time Lee sat down with Trump face-to-face. The meeting did not break major news, but it appeared to go well after Lee showered praise on Trump for his global leadership. The World's Matthew Bell talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the meeting.

With flattery and smiles, South Korea's president has first White House meeting with Trump

Protests have erupted across the UK in the past few days over hotels housing asylum seekers. In Perth, Scotland, crowds waved signs reading “Perth is full, empty the hotels” and chanted “send them home.” The unrest follows a High Court ruling in London last week ordering one hotel to stop housing asylum seekers. The UK government says it will appeal the ruling but several local councils now say they plan to launch their own legal challenges. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Protests have erupted across the UK in the past few days over hotels housing asylum seekers. In Perth, Scotland, crowds waved signs reading “Perth is full, empty the hotels” and chanted “send them home.” The unrest follows a High Court ruling in London last week ordering one hotel to stop housing asylum seekers. The UK government says it will appeal the ruling but several local councils now say they plan to launch their own legal challenges. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Political tensions mount as UK towns rally against asylum seeker hotels

The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the largest and most chaotic arts festivals in the world. With 3,800 shows expected this year, it’s a launchpad for breakout careers like "Fleabag" and "Baby Reindeer." It's also a grueling, emotionally raw test of endurance for emerging performers from around the world. Rebecca Rosman reports from Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the largest and most chaotic arts festivals in the world. With 3,800 shows expected this year, it’s a launchpad for breakout careers like "Fleabag" and "Baby Reindeer." It's also a grueling, emotionally raw test of endurance for emerging performers from around the world. Rebecca Rosman reports from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Inside the chaos of Edinburgh Fringe

More than half a million people are facing famine in Gaza, according to the international global hunger monitor, IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification). The UN-backed group said today that people in Gaza City and its surrounding areas are impacted the most, but that if no action is taken, famine will reach other areas of the territory. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

More than half a million people are facing famine in Gaza, according to the international global hunger monitor, IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification). The UN-backed group said today that people in Gaza City and its surrounding areas are impacted the most, but that if no action is taken, famine will reach other areas of the territory. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Famine declared in Gaza City

The taste of water is often glazed over, but a growing group of professional water sommeliers are hoping to bring the world's attention to the different kinds of H2O. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.This story originally aired on Oct. 27, 2021.

The taste of water is often glazed over, but a growing group of professional water sommeliers are hoping to bring the world's attention to the different kinds of H2O. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.
This story originally aired on Oct. 27, 2021.

Water sommeliers bring attention to water one sip at a time

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian goods — in what many see as a political favor to his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, now on trial for attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election. But instead of pressuring Brazil’s government, the move has backfired. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from São Paulo state, where the tariffs are hurting local industries — and rallying Brazilians around the idea of sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian goods — in what many see as a political favor to his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, now on trial for attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election. But instead of pressuring Brazil’s government, the move has backfired. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from São Paulo state, where the tariffs are hurting local industries — and rallying Brazilians around the idea of sovereignty.