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.

With more than 4,000 cases reported in Democratic Republic of Congo, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say responders need to shift focus to door-to-door disease tracking. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, head of the health unit at the International Rescue Committee. He also spoke with Trish Newport, emergency program manager for Doctors Without Borders. She's based in the city of Bunia, on the frontlines of the fight to contain Ebola.

With more than 4,000 cases reported in Democratic Republic of Congo, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say responders need to shift focus to door-to-door disease tracking. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, head of the health unit at the International Rescue Committee. He also spoke with Trish Newport, emergency program manager for Doctors Without Borders. She's based in the city of Bunia, on the frontlines of the fight to contain Ebola.

Responders in DRC hunt Ebola door to door as cases surpass 4,000

From a court case in the US to a family home in New Zealand, a cross-border investigation by Bellingcat and The Press, a daily newspaper in New Zealand, tracks down the alleged owner of a "revenge porn" website. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Bellingcat investigator Kolina Koltai, based in Seattle, and Michael Wright, a reporter with The Press, based in Christchurch, New Zealand.CONTENT WARNING: This interview concerns non-consensual sexual content and child sexual abuse material.

From a court case in the US to a family home in New Zealand, a cross-border investigation by Bellingcat and The Press, a daily newspaper in New Zealand, tracks down the alleged owner of a "revenge porn" website. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Bellingcat investigator Kolina Koltai, based in Seattle, and Michael Wright, a reporter with The Press, based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
CONTENT WARNING: This interview concerns non-consensual sexual content and child sexual abuse material.

Investigative report traces global reach of 'revenge porn' website

Just over a week since about 72,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, roughly 2,000 minors remain. Under European law, they cannot be deported unless family can be found to take them back. That can take months. In the meantime, the Spanish government is trying to protect the minors from common criminals and human traffickers. It's calling on the rest of Spain to take over stewardship of the children, but it's meeting a lot of resistance. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Just over a week since about 72,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, roughly 2,000 minors remain. Under European law, they cannot be deported unless family can be found to take them back. That can take months. In the meantime, the Spanish government is trying to protect the minors from common criminals and human traffickers. It's calling on the rest of Spain to take over stewardship of the children, but it's meeting a lot of resistance. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Thousands of mostly Moroccan children unprotected in Ceuta

This week marked a chord change in one of the world's longest concerts. The 639-year performance of John Cage's Organ2/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible) in a disused church in Halberstadt, Germany, has been going for 25 years. This is the first change since 2024, and the first under new leadership as the project's stewards plan for the next six centuries. Reporter Gabe Bullard has the story, from Halberstadt.A piece about this and other long-term art projects will appear in an upcoming issue of the <a href="https://europeanreviewofbooks.com/">The European Review of Books</a>.

This week marked a chord change in one of the world's longest concerts. The 639-year performance of John Cage's Organ2/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible) in a disused church in Halberstadt, Germany, has been going for 25 years. This is the first change since 2024, and the first under new leadership as the project's stewards plan for the next six centuries. Reporter Gabe Bullard has the story, from Halberstadt.
A piece about this and other long-term art projects will appear in an upcoming issue of the The European Review of Books.

A minor chord change in one of the world's longest concerts

The Indian national government this week declared heat waves an official natural disaster. The designation frees up funding that can be used to boost the existing Heat Action Plans that are triggered in local communities ahead of expected rising temperatures. But these plans are reactive, and are not designed for the long-term threat that heat poses in the country. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with climate adaptation researcher Aditya Pillai about what the government's role is in heat adaptation, and the gap between short- and long-term solutions.

The Indian national government this week declared heat waves an official natural disaster. The designation frees up funding that can be used to boost the existing Heat Action Plans that are triggered in local communities ahead of expected rising temperatures. But these plans are reactive, and are not designed for the long-term threat that heat poses in the country. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with climate adaptation researcher Aditya Pillai about what the government's role is in heat adaptation, and the gap between short- and long-term solutions.

The role of the government in India's heat crisis

In an attempt to cut down on outside noise and rowdiness, the Westminster City Council, which is responsible for licensing pubs and restaurants in London's West End, has put forward a proposal to cut back on what it calls "vertical drinking," essentially standing with a glass. As The World's Host Marco Werman explains, this has caused an enormous blowback, including potshots from the prime minister and from London's mayor.

In an attempt to cut down on outside noise and rowdiness, the Westminster City Council, which is responsible for licensing pubs and restaurants in London's West End, has put forward a proposal to cut back on what it calls "vertical drinking," essentially standing with a glass. As The World's Host Marco Werman explains, this has caused an enormous blowback, including potshots from the prime minister and from London's mayor.

Westminster Council proposes a reduction in 'vertical drinking'

Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, sits at the ancient crossroads of Asia and Europe, of Islam and Christianity. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek was there in 2015 as part of his global walking project, the Out of Eden Walk, and tells Host Marco Werman about his experience of the city.This story originally aired on May 3, 2024.

Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, sits at the ancient crossroads of Asia and Europe, of Islam and Christianity. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek was there in 2015 as part of his global walking project, the Out of Eden Walk, and tells Host Marco Werman about his experience of the city.
This story originally aired on May 3, 2024.

Poetry and wine in the Georgian capital

Ugandan singer-songwriter Jon Muq was in Kampala, when he first heard the charity single "We Are the World" from his cousin's CD collection. This song opened Muq's world to pop music and inspired him to learn English and start writing his own songs. Muq released his debut album, "Flying Away," back in May 2024, and he'll be back on the road later this month.This story originally aired on Sept. 20, 2024.

Ugandan singer-songwriter Jon Muq was in Kampala, when he first heard the charity single "We Are the World" from his cousin's CD collection. This song opened Muq's world to pop music and inspired him to learn English and start writing his own songs. Muq released his debut album, "Flying Away," back in May 2024, and he'll be back on the road later this month.
This story originally aired on Sept. 20, 2024.

How 'We Are the World' change the life of this musician from Uganda

Members of the world's coast guards, navies, search and rescue teams, anyone who regularly operates boats at extreme speeds, are highly exposed to chronic brain trauma — even if they've never hit their head on the job. An ongoing NATO study is trying to figure out exactly how its happening, and what can be done to solve it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Johan Ullman, who leads the study, about what he's seen so far.

Members of the world's coast guards, navies, search and rescue teams, anyone who regularly operates boats at extreme speeds, are highly exposed to chronic brain trauma — even if they've never hit their head on the job. An ongoing NATO study is trying to figure out exactly how its happening, and what can be done to solve it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Johan Ullman, who leads the study, about what he's seen so far.

Operators of high-speed rescue boats risk chronic brain injuries

A state legislature in Brazil has gotten used to some large rodent visitors: capybaras. The notoriously chill animals don't cause any damage, so the drop-ins have become a source of amusement.

A state legislature in Brazil has gotten used to some large rodent visitors: capybaras. The notoriously chill animals don't cause any damage, so the drop-ins have become a source of amusement.

Capybaras visit lawmakers

Cold beet soup is a culinary staple in Latvia and Lithuania, and across Eastern Europe. Each year, Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, hosts a "Pink Soup Festival" celebrating the dish. But the city's tourism agency also started a public beef with Latvia, claiming that the Lithuanian version of the soup is better. From Latvia's capital, Riga, Daniel Ofman reports. This story originally aired on June 4, 2024.

Cold beet soup is a culinary staple in Latvia and Lithuania, and across Eastern Europe. Each year, Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, hosts a "Pink Soup Festival" celebrating the dish. But the city's tourism agency also started a public beef with Latvia, claiming that the Lithuanian version of the soup is better. From Latvia's capital, Riga, Daniel Ofman reports. 
This story originally aired on June 4, 2024.

Beet soup season features a beef between Latvia and Lithuania

Summers in India, have always been hot. But this summer has been extreme, even by local standards. And it's pushing people to their limits. In Chennai, on the southeastern coast of India, residents are using cast-off potato chip bags to manage the heat — and to goose the local economy. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Chennai.

Summers in India, have always been hot. But this summer has been extreme, even by local standards. And it's pushing people to their limits. In Chennai, on the southeastern coast of India, residents are using cast-off potato chip bags to manage the heat — and to goose the local economy. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Chennai.

Chennai, India, is keeping buildings cool using potato chip bags

Climate change is walloping Europe this summer. The continent is warming twice as quickly as the global average. We’ve reported on the extreme heat, drought and fires that have followed in places like Spain and France. One country that ranks relatively low on most measures of climate risk is Germany. But it's also dealing with a climate crisis of its own — a quiet one that starts underground. Valerie Hamilton has our story from Munich.

Climate change is walloping Europe this summer. The continent is warming twice as quickly as the global average. We’ve reported on the extreme heat, drought and fires that have followed in places like Spain and France. One country that ranks relatively low on most measures of climate risk is Germany. But it's also dealing with a climate crisis of its own — a quiet one that starts underground. Valerie Hamilton has our story from Munich.

Germany's water reckoning

Iran's deputy foreign minister said today that his country and Oman are close to finalizing an agreement with the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are still big issues to resolve, including Iran's role in overseeing traffic through the waterway and whether the US will ease sanctions or other restrictions. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Iran's deputy foreign minister said today that his country and Oman are close to finalizing an agreement with the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are still big issues to resolve, including Iran's role in overseeing traffic through the waterway and whether the US will ease sanctions or other restrictions. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Iran and the US are on the cusp of an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz

Today marks 81 years since the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands of people. Kiyoshi Tanimoto, a Methodist minister, was on the outskirts of the city when the bomb exploded. In the hours that followed, he risked his life to carry the injured to safety and comfort the dying. A recently unearthed memoir offers a firsthand account of what he witnessed that day. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with David Corn, who wrote the foreword to the book.

Today marks 81 years since the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands of people. Kiyoshi Tanimoto, a Methodist minister, was on the outskirts of the city when the bomb exploded. In the hours that followed, he risked his life to carry the injured to safety and comfort the dying. A recently unearthed memoir offers a firsthand account of what he witnessed that day. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with David Corn, who wrote the foreword to the book.

A Hiroshima survivor's lost memoir

Hundreds of people have been arrested across the Amazon this month in a sweeping five-country law enforcement operation going after a host of crimes in the world’s largest rainforest — from illegal mining to logging and smuggling operations. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Gabriel Funari, who coordinates the Amazon Basin Observatory at The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.

Hundreds of people have been arrested across the Amazon this month in a sweeping five-country law enforcement operation going after a host of crimes in the world’s largest rainforest — from illegal mining to logging and smuggling operations. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Gabriel Funari, who coordinates the Amazon Basin Observatory at The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.

Hundreds arrested across Amazon rainforest in operation against environmental crimes

In India, extreme heat waves are becoming the new normal. For most people, air conditioning isn't an option — forcing them to find more creative ways to stay cool. That includes a project in Delhi that hands out highly reflective paint that can be put on rooftops: It reflects the sun's rays and lowers temperatures inside by more than 10 degrees. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Delhi.

In India, extreme heat waves are becoming the new normal. For most people, air conditioning isn't an option — forcing them to find more creative ways to stay cool. That includes a project in Delhi that hands out highly reflective paint that can be put on rooftops: It reflects the sun's rays and lowers temperatures inside by more than 10 degrees. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Delhi.

Delhi finds a creative way to beat the heat

Iranian music is inescapably political. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, music there has been subject to heavy censorship by the government. Before then, musical expression ebbed and flowed alongside a social and political landscape that was in constant motion. How Iran's music tells the history of the country from the early 20th century to today is the subject of a new book, "Iran Amplified: One Hundred Years of Music and Society." Co-editor Nahid Siamdoust joins Host Marco Werman to talk about that history.

Iranian music is inescapably political. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, music there has been subject to heavy censorship by the government. Before then, musical expression ebbed and flowed alongside a social and political landscape that was in constant motion. How Iran's music tells the history of the country from the early 20th century to today is the subject of a new book, "Iran Amplified: One Hundred Years of Music and Society." Co-editor Nahid Siamdoust joins Host Marco Werman to talk about that history.

An Iranian century of music

France's first so-called “House of Diversity” has opened in Lyon. It's a shared residential building for queer people aged 55 and older. The house is there to protect older citizens — and not only from loneliness. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Lisa Louis reports from southeastern France.

France's first so-called “House of Diversity” has opened in Lyon. It's a shared residential building for queer people aged 55 and older. The house is there to protect older citizens — and not only from loneliness. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Lisa Louis reports from southeastern France.

France's first 'House of Diversity' opens in Lyon

Statistically speaking, for every baby born in Japan, two people pass away. The country’s rapidly shrinking population is, according to Japanese officials, a “national emergency” threatening its future prosperity and entire way of life. They’re struggling to reverse this trend but some believe fixing this problem calls for a revolution in Japanese fatherhood. The World's Patrick Winn reports with Aya Asakura in Tokyo.This story first aired on June 5, 2024.

Statistically speaking, for every baby born in Japan, two people pass away. The country’s rapidly shrinking population is, according to Japanese officials, a “national emergency” threatening its future prosperity and entire way of life. They’re struggling to reverse this trend but some believe fixing this problem calls for a revolution in Japanese fatherhood. The World's Patrick Winn reports with Aya Asakura in Tokyo.
This story first aired on June 5, 2024.

The Japanese dads struggling to reform fatherhood

Cadmium, a heavy metal linked to cancers and other diseases, is worrying French consumers — who, on average show, show levels in their bodies three to four times higher than the European average. That's according to a French government study from this March. The most-affected foods are industrial breads, cereals and crackers made from French-grown wheat. The culprit seems to be phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

Cadmium, a heavy metal linked to cancers and other diseases, is worrying French consumers — who, on average show, show levels in their bodies three to four times higher than the European average. That's according to a French government study from this March. The most-affected foods are industrial breads, cereals and crackers made from French-grown wheat. The culprit seems to be phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

French consumers test high for toxic cadmium, blame fertilizer used on industrial farms

Dog racing is now formally banned in New Zealand, but some advocates say several loopholes are helping sustain an ethically-questionable industry in other countries. Host Marco Werman explains.

Dog racing is now formally banned in New Zealand, but some advocates say several loopholes are helping sustain an ethically-questionable industry in other countries. Host Marco Werman explains.

Dog racing finds ethical loopholes

Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in the field of marine science. She was one of the first people to ever use scuba technology for scientific research; she holds the women's record for the deepest un-tethered sea walk and she became the first female chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). In all, her career has spanned 70 years and counting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Earle about her career, her passion for the ocean and how the ocean has changed.

Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in the field of marine science. She was one of the first people to ever use scuba technology for scientific research; she holds the women's record for the deepest un-tethered sea walk and she became the first female chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). In all, her career has spanned 70 years and counting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Earle about her career, her passion for the ocean and how the ocean has changed.

Pioneering marine scientist Sylvia Earle reflects on decades under the sea

Amayo has two life-long passions: Afrobeat from Nigeria and Chinese martial arts. Host Marco Werman speaks to the musician about how these two interests influence his new album, "Lion Awakes." Amayo dedicates the album to his grandmother, a shaman, or medicine woman, in Ghana.

Amayo has two life-long passions: Afrobeat from Nigeria and Chinese martial arts. Host Marco Werman speaks to the musician about how these two interests influence his new album, "Lion Awakes." Amayo dedicates the album to his grandmother, a shaman, or medicine woman, in Ghana.

The Afrobeat musician Amayo on his album, 'Lion Awakes'

Nuclear reactors in Europe are struggling to keep cool this summer, as climate change intensifies heat and drought. Record-low water levels in the Danube River are threatening nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. France has reduced output at multiple plants. Chris Rosslowe, with the energy think tank Ember in London, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the nuclear plants are so vulnerable and how Europe’s power grid is holding up.

Nuclear reactors in Europe are struggling to keep cool this summer, as climate change intensifies heat and drought. Record-low water levels in the Danube River are threatening nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. France has reduced output at multiple plants. Chris Rosslowe, with the energy think tank Ember in London, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the nuclear plants are so vulnerable and how Europe’s power grid is holding up.

Europe's nuclear reactors strain as climate crises worsens

The European Union is scrambling to contain the political fallout after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco last Friday. Most have since returned home, but the critical response from several EU countries has laid bare divisions over the bloc's migration policy. Today, EU interior ministers held  emergency talks to try and ease tensions. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined Host Marco Werman with the latest.

The European Union is scrambling to contain the political fallout after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco last Friday. Most have since returned home, but the critical response from several EU countries has laid bare divisions over the bloc's migration policy. Today, EU interior ministers held  emergency talks to try and ease tensions. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined Host Marco Werman with the latest.

Ceuta crossings expose EU divisions on migration

In many countries, a heat wave that kills nearly 35,000 people each day would be considered a national emergency. But for India, that's just the way things are. In the capital, New Delhi, public health experts are scrambling to offer protection for citizens. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, the heat impacts the most vulnerable people the hardest.

In many countries, a heat wave that kills nearly 35,000 people each day would be considered a national emergency. But for India, that's just the way things are. In the capital, New Delhi, public health experts are scrambling to offer protection for citizens. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, the heat impacts the most vulnerable people the hardest.

New Delhi struggles with deadly impact of severe heat

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a legendary melody, "Concierto de Aranjuez." It's been arranged over the years in different ways, by Miles Davis, by Hollywood. Today, we hear an arrangement by the legendary Lebanese vocalist, Fairuz, in a song dedicated to her home city of Beirut, which marks six years since the deadly explosion at its port.

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a legendary melody, "Concierto de Aranjuez." It's been arranged over the years in different ways, by Miles Davis, by Hollywood. Today, we hear an arrangement by the legendary Lebanese vocalist, Fairuz, in a song dedicated to her home city of Beirut, which marks six years since the deadly explosion at its port.

A look at legendary Lebanese chanteuse Fairuz's version of a song dedicated to Beirut

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Russia has stood firmly behind the Islamic Republic. It has condemned the strikes and backed Tehran on the diplomatic stage. But US officials say Moscow has also shared intelligence and military expertise, helping Iran target US bases and CIA sites in the region. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what we know.

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Russia has stood firmly behind the Islamic Republic. It has condemned the strikes and backed Tehran on the diplomatic stage. But US officials say Moscow has also shared intelligence and military expertise, helping Iran target US bases and CIA sites in the region. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what we know.

What do we know about Russia's help for Iran?

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck about a dozen warehouses belonging to Russia’s online retailer Wildberries. Ukrainian officials say the company provides Russian forces with drone components and navigation equipment. Wildberries’ CEO rejects that claim. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Financial Times correspondent Max Seddon about why Wildberries has landed in Kyiv’s crosshairs.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck about a dozen warehouses belonging to Russia’s online retailer Wildberries. Ukrainian officials say the company provides Russian forces with drone components and navigation equipment. Wildberries’ CEO rejects that claim. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Financial Times correspondent Max Seddon about why Wildberries has landed in Kyiv’s crosshairs.