Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

The Kiruna Church and its famed belfry are being moved this week along a three-mile route to a new city center. The move is part of Kiruna's relocation, because the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine is threatening to swallow the town. Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost town, at 124 miles above the Arctic Circle. Host Marco Werman has the details.

The Kiruna Church and its famed belfry are being moved this week along a three-mile route to a new city center. The move is part of Kiruna's relocation, because the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine is threatening to swallow the town. Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost town, at 124 miles above the Arctic Circle. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Historic Swedish church being moved 3 miles down the road

On Aug. 23, 1973, the legendary salsa label Fania, gathered together all its stars for a concert to end all concerts — in New York's Yankee Stadium. Around 45,000 people showed up, many recent immigrants from all over Latin America. They'd never seen their music represented on such a big stage. Reporter Miguel Santiago Colón brings us the story from New York.

On Aug. 23, 1973, the legendary salsa label Fania, gathered together all its stars for a concert to end all concerts — in New York's Yankee Stadium. Around 45,000 people showed up, many recent immigrants from all over Latin America. They'd never seen their music represented on such a big stage. Reporter Miguel Santiago Colón brings us the story from New York.

The Woodstock of salsa music

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is walking from Ethiopia to Chile on the Out of Eden Walk. But as he tells The World, "people are my destination." The story of the walk unfolds through conversations he has with the people he meets along the way. He speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler about the everyday chitchats that have become essential to his travels.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is walking from Ethiopia to Chile on the Out of Eden Walk. But as he tells The World, "people are my destination." The story of the walk unfolds through conversations he has with the people he meets along the way. He speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler about the everyday chitchats that have become essential to his travels.

Small talk on the big walk

In Barcelona, outside of the surrealist Sagrada Familia church, a lone engraver of glass leans into a grindstone, six long days a week. His name is Toni Moya, and he's among the last of his kind in Spain. A craftsman etching the finest of designs, by hand, into high-end crystal cups, glasses and vases. Earlier this year, The World’s Gerry Hadden took us into his workshop.This story originally aired on Feb. 28, 2025.

In Barcelona, outside of the surrealist Sagrada Familia church, a lone engraver of glass leans into a grindstone, six long days a week. His name is Toni Moya, and he's among the last of his kind in Spain. A craftsman etching the finest of designs, by hand, into high-end crystal cups, glasses and vases. Earlier this year, The World’s Gerry Hadden took us into his workshop.
This story originally aired on Feb. 28, 2025.

Barcelona's last glass etching artist

The skeletal remains of more than 140 people have been unearthed at the site of a mass grave in northern Sri Lanka. They are thought to belong to the island's minority ethnic Tamil community killed during Sri Lanka's civil war, which stretched from 1983 until 2009, and killed more than 70,000 people. Brito Fernando is the president of the activist organization Families of the Disappeared and spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Negombo in Sri Lanka.

The skeletal remains of more than 140 people have been unearthed at the site of a mass grave in northern Sri Lanka. They are thought to belong to the island's minority ethnic Tamil community killed during Sri Lanka's civil war, which stretched from 1983 until 2009, and killed more than 70,000 people. Brito Fernando is the president of the activist organization Families of the Disappeared and spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Negombo in Sri Lanka.

Mass grave discovered in Sri Lanka

In Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, in Canada, a nonprofit is expanding a living shoreline designed to protect the community, and it's historic buildings, from climate-fueled storms. The project uses rocks, newly-planted wetlands and berms to disperse wave energy before it reaches the shore. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Brooke Nodding of the group Coastal Action to learn more about this climate solution for the series The Big Fix.

In Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, in Canada, a nonprofit is expanding a living shoreline designed to protect the community, and it's historic buildings, from climate-fueled storms. The project uses rocks, newly-planted wetlands and berms to disperse wave energy before it reaches the shore. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Brooke Nodding of the group Coastal Action to learn more about this climate solution for the series The Big Fix.

In Nova Scotia, living shorelines protect communities from the sea

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.

Trade pressure from Trump rallies Brazil against interference

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

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 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

A group of Hong Kong filmmakers released an anthology of five short films in 2015. That was right after large scale pro-democracy protests, called the Umbrella Movement, took place in 2014. At the time, pictures of protestors holding up umbrellas to deflect tear gas canisters made headlines around the world. Each director was to envision what the city would be like in the year 2025. As Alan Yu reports from WHYY, the film — called "Ten Years" — painted a dystopian picture of Hong Kong's future.

A group of Hong Kong filmmakers released an anthology of five short films in 2015. That was right after large scale pro-democracy protests, called the Umbrella Movement, took place in 2014. At the time, pictures of protestors holding up umbrellas to deflect tear gas canisters made headlines around the world. Each director was to envision what the city would be like in the year 2025. As Alan Yu reports from WHYY, the film — called "Ten Years" — painted a dystopian picture of Hong Kong's future.

Hong Kong film 'Ten Years' 10 years on

Last week, the African Union voiced support for the adoption of a map that more accurately displays Africa's true size. Host Marco Werman speaks to one of the creators of that map — the 2018 Equal Earth projection — Bojan Šavrič. He joined the show from the International Cartographic Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

Last week, the African Union voiced support for the adoption of a map that more accurately displays Africa's true size. Host Marco Werman speaks to one of the creators of that map — the 2018 Equal Earth projection — Bojan Šavrič. He joined the show from the International Cartographic Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

African Union backs effort to use map showing Africa's true size

A mysterious object, believed to be billions of years old, is hurtling through our solar system. Thought to be only the third known interstellar visitor ever observed, it has astronomers racing to study it while it's still visible. Michele Bannister, a lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, tells Host Marco Werman why this rare traveler from the depths of interstellar space is capturing scientists’ attention.

A mysterious object, believed to be billions of years old, is hurtling through our solar system. Thought to be only the third known interstellar visitor ever observed, it has astronomers racing to study it while it's still visible. Michele Bannister, a lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, tells Host Marco Werman why this rare traveler from the depths of interstellar space is capturing scientists’ attention.

Astronomers delight in unexpected celestial visitor

With recent releases by massive artists like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro, younger Latino generations are starting to rediscover salsa music and, with it, its history and foundations. Miguel Santiago Colón reports.

With recent releases by massive artists like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro, younger Latino generations are starting to rediscover salsa music and, with it, its history and foundations. Miguel Santiago Colón reports.

Salsa is a Latin music style that was born in New York City

Emily Scarratt has been a fixture on England's national women's rugby team since 2008. As she enters her fifth World Cup, Scarratt speaks with The World's Bianca Hillier about just how much the game has grown during her career.

Emily Scarratt has been a fixture on England's national women's rugby team since 2008. As she enters her fifth World Cup, Scarratt speaks with The World's Bianca Hillier about just how much the game has grown during her career.

Emily Scarratt to make English history with 5th Rugby World Cup appearance

Denmark is getting rid of its 25% tax on books. According to government officials, the move is meant to address a reading crisis. Host Marco Werman speaks with book historian Tina Lupton about the state of reading in Denmark and whether this change is an effective way to tackle the challenge.

Denmark is getting rid of its 25% tax on books. According to government officials, the move is meant to address a reading crisis. Host Marco Werman speaks with book historian Tina Lupton about the state of reading in Denmark and whether this change is an effective way to tackle the challenge.

Denmark to eliminate tax on books

DW's Paris Correspondent John Laurenson has been testing out one of three new bathing sites that have been opened in the French capital — a key part of the city’s Olympic legacy. It's a major milestone for the Seine river, which was closed to swimmers for over a hundred years due to pollution.

DW's Paris Correspondent John Laurenson has been testing out one of three new bathing sites that have been opened in the French capital — a key part of the city’s Olympic legacy. It's a major milestone for the Seine river, which was closed to swimmers for over a hundred years due to pollution.

After yearslong cleaning efforts, what's it like to swim in the Seine?

Human rights organizations report that militant groups committed a number of atrocities in occupied areas of Democratic Republic of Congo, including gang rape and summary executions of civilians. Host Marco Werman speaks to Tigere Chagutah, regional director for East and Southern Africa for Amnesty International, about the organization's report published yesterday.

Human rights organizations report that militant groups committed a number of atrocities in occupied areas of Democratic Republic of Congo, including gang rape and summary executions of civilians. Host Marco Werman speaks to Tigere Chagutah, regional director for East and Southern Africa for Amnesty International, about the organization's report published yesterday.

Rebel groups committing summary executions and sexual violence in eastern DRC

Israeli troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City, preparing for its takeover. Israel’s offensive comes at a time when a potential 60-day ceasefire is on the table, which families of the remaining hostages are pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept. Also today, there was an uncharacteristic rebuke from the German government of Israel. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israeli troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City, preparing for its takeover. Israel’s offensive comes at a time when a potential 60-day ceasefire is on the table, which families of the remaining hostages are pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept. Also today, there was an uncharacteristic rebuke from the German government of Israel. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

The latest on Israel and Gaza

Go to any poetry reading, and you’ll probably encounter "poet voice" — that monotone way of reading with pauses where pauses should not be. A version of poet voice exists in all aesthetic traditions, all schools and all cultures. Sarah Birnbaum reports.

Go to any poetry reading, and you’ll probably encounter "poet voice" — that monotone way of reading with pauses where pauses should not be. A version of poet voice exists in all aesthetic traditions, all schools and all cultures. Sarah Birnbaum reports.

The annoying way some poets read their work — has a name

Three physicians from the Dallas, Texas, area are in Gaza, providing medical care to the wounded and ill. Speaking from the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound in Deir al-Balah, Dr. Mohammed Adeel Khaleel, director of orthopedic spine surgery at Medical City Frisco, and Dr. Umar Burney, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Dallas, tell Host Marco Werman many of the patients they're treating were injured at food distribution sites.

Three physicians from the Dallas, Texas, area are in Gaza, providing medical care to the wounded and ill. Speaking from the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound in Deir al-Balah, Dr. Mohammed Adeel Khaleel, director of orthopedic spine surgery at Medical City Frisco, and Dr. Umar Burney, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Dallas, tell Host Marco Werman many of the patients they're treating were injured at food distribution sites.

US doctors in Gaza struggle to treat patients injured at food distribution sites

The FDA is advising Walmart customers to throw out certain Great Value brand shrimp products due to possible radioactive contamination. Ken Buesseler, a senior scientist in marine radiochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a leading voice on radiation levels in seafood, talks with Host Marco Werman about his concerns.

The FDA is advising Walmart customers to throw out certain Great Value brand shrimp products due to possible radioactive contamination. Ken Buesseler, a senior scientist in marine radiochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a leading voice on radiation levels in seafood, talks with Host Marco Werman about his concerns.

Shrimp recall highlights possible processing and packaging failures

During the harshest days of Soviet censorship, it was nearly impossible and highly risky to get your hands on Western music. But Soviet people became experts at finding creative, sometimes extraordinary, ways to reprint and share forbidden sounds — using material like old X-ray tapes. Stephen Coates is a London-based audiophile and author of the book, "Bone Music: The History of the X-Ray Underground." He tells Host Marco Werman about the long lost art of making "ribs."

During the harshest days of Soviet censorship, it was nearly impossible and highly risky to get your hands on Western music. But Soviet people became experts at finding creative, sometimes extraordinary, ways to reprint and share forbidden sounds — using material like old X-ray tapes. Stephen Coates is a London-based audiophile and author of the book, "Bone Music: The History of the X-Ray Underground." He tells Host Marco Werman about the long lost art of making "ribs."

'Bone Music': Exploring Soviet-era bootlegs made out of old X-rays

US President Donald Trump said he arranged a meeting between the two bitter enemies, Russia and Ukraine. But it's not clear if a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a realistic possibility anytime soon. The Kremlin is downplaying the idea that a bilateral meeting could take place. Putin has long described Zelenskyy as an illegitimate leader and a puppet of the Western world. In fact, Putin rarely even refers to Zelenskyy by name. Host Marco Werman has more.

US President Donald Trump said he arranged a meeting between the two bitter enemies, Russia and Ukraine. But it's not clear if a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a realistic possibility anytime soon. The Kremlin is downplaying the idea that a bilateral meeting could take place. Putin has long described Zelenskyy as an illegitimate leader and a puppet of the Western world. In fact, Putin rarely even refers to Zelenskyy by name. Host Marco Werman has more.

Moscow is downplaying the prospects of a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting

Hundreds of people are confirmed dead following flash floods that left devastation in dozens of villages in northern Pakistan. Some government authorities have blamed a cloudburst, which is almost impossible to predict; but other agencies say that may not be the case, because there is a lack of data in the region. Host Marco Werman speaks with climate and disaster resiliency expert Fatima Yamin about why the distinction matters and what worries her about the rest of the monsoon season.

Hundreds of people are confirmed dead following flash floods that left devastation in dozens of villages in northern Pakistan. Some government authorities have blamed a cloudburst, which is almost impossible to predict; but other agencies say that may not be the case, because there is a lack of data in the region. Host Marco Werman speaks with climate and disaster resiliency expert Fatima Yamin about why the distinction matters and what worries her about the rest of the monsoon season.

Hundreds dead amid flash flooding in Pakistan

Host Marco Werman remembers composer and musician Jamshied Sharifi. He created a sound that echoed his family's roots in Iran, making it a part of his own work, whether it was for his own ensemble, for Broadway or film.

Host Marco Werman remembers composer and musician Jamshied Sharifi. He created a sound that echoed his family's roots in Iran, making it a part of his own work, whether it was for his own ensemble, for Broadway or film.

Remembering Iranian musician Jamshied Sharifi

Chicago has so many ethnic enclaves — it has Greektown, it has Chinatown. But what happened to the Lake View Japanese American community, and where did it go? The answer is directly tied to a Chicago immigrant experience like no other. Japanese Americans didn’t end up in Chicago of their own accord: The US government forcibly resettled 20,000 of them to the city from World War II incarceration camps. And, as part of that effort, the government pressured them to shed their Japanese identities and assimilate into white society. Katherine Nagasawa reports from WBEZ in Chicago.

Chicago has so many ethnic enclaves — it has Greektown, it has Chinatown. But what happened to the Lake View Japanese American community, and where did it go? The answer is directly tied to a Chicago immigrant experience like no other. Japanese Americans didn’t end up in Chicago of their own accord: The US government forcibly resettled 20,000 of them to the city from World War II incarceration camps. And, as part of that effort, the government pressured them to shed their Japanese identities and assimilate into white society. Katherine Nagasawa reports from WBEZ in Chicago.

Chicago's last Japanese neighborhood

Founded in 2004, the Amawtay Wasi University is the only Indigenous university in Ecuador, and one of only a handful of Indigenous universities across South America. Roughly 2,000 students study there today. It’s goal is not only to help educate Indigenous peoples in Ecuador, but also promote their ancestral knowledge and languages. Michael Fox reports from the capital Quito.

Founded in 2004, the Amawtay Wasi University is the only Indigenous university in Ecuador, and one of only a handful of Indigenous universities across South America. Roughly 2,000 students study there today. It’s goal is not only to help educate Indigenous peoples in Ecuador, but also promote their ancestral knowledge and languages. Michael Fox reports from the capital Quito.

Ecuador's first Indigenous university has proven to be a big hit

China and India are beginning to view each other as possible allies — instead of historic adversaries. It's one of the side-effects of new US trade policy, which includes imposing significant tariffs on both countries. Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Sumit Ganguly about the significance of this change.

China and India are beginning to view each other as possible allies — instead of historic adversaries. It's one of the side-effects of new US trade policy, which includes imposing significant tariffs on both countries. Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Sumit Ganguly about the significance of this change.

India-China relations enter a new era

Apiwe Nxasani-Mawela launched her craft brewery Tolokazi Beer in 2021 — making her South Africa's first Black female brewery owner. Now, she's teaching the next generation of female brewers how to make their own craft beers, as she tells Host Marco Werman.

Apiwe Nxasani-Mawela launched her craft brewery Tolokazi Beer in 2021 — making her South Africa's first Black female brewery owner. Now, she's teaching the next generation of female brewers how to make their own craft beers, as she tells Host Marco Werman.