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.

Hong Kong isn’t just a city. It’s a brand — one that’s taken a beating in recent years. The old image of Hong Kong, as a vibrant part of China where people could say almost anything they liked, has been damaged by a crackdown on dissidents, journalists and even artists. Now Hong Kong’s government is spending millions on a campaign to get the city’s mojo back. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Hong Kong isn’t just a city. It’s a brand — one that’s taken a beating in recent years. The old image of Hong Kong, as a vibrant part of China where people could say almost anything they liked, has been damaged by a crackdown on dissidents, journalists and even artists. Now Hong Kong’s government is spending millions on a campaign to get the city’s mojo back. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Can Hong Kong get its mojo back?

Gathering accurate statistics detailing the ever-mounting toll of civilian deaths in Gaza has been an immense challenge. Now, a new study by the independent British research group Airwars has examined the statistics of the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry that were provided in the war’s first 17 days. Airwars' head of investigations Joe Dyke tells The World’s host, Marco Werman, why he thinks those estimates are reliable.

Gathering accurate statistics detailing the ever-mounting toll of civilian deaths in Gaza has been an immense challenge. Now, a new study by the independent British research group Airwars has examined the statistics of the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry that were provided in the war’s first 17 days. Airwars' head of investigations Joe Dyke tells The World’s host, Marco Werman, why he thinks those estimates are reliable.

Counting the civilian death toll in Gaza

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek talks about his walk through northern India, where modern farming with high-yield seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, tractors and motorized well pumps have made India self-sufficient in food. But as he tells The World's host, Carolyn Beeler, it has come at a cost to the environment, to the country's water supplies and to some traditional ways of life.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek talks about his walk through northern India, where modern farming with high-yield seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, tractors and motorized well pumps have made India self-sufficient in food. But as he tells The World's host, Carolyn Beeler, it has come at a cost to the environment, to the country's water supplies and to some traditional ways of life.

Out of Eden Walk: On foot across northern India

James C. Scott, who died on July 19 at the age of 87, has been called one of the most original and radical political theorists of the past century. He started by studying Southeast Asia, and then expanded to other disciplines and to the rest of the globe. Host Marco Werman speaks with Todd Holmes, who made the documentary, "In A Field All His Own: The Life and Career of James C. Scott."

James C. Scott, who died on July 19 at the age of 87, has been called one of the most original and radical political theorists of the past century. He started by studying Southeast Asia, and then expanded to other disciplines and to the rest of the globe. Host Marco Werman speaks with Todd Holmes, who made the documentary, "In A Field All His Own: The Life and Career of James C. Scott."

The most important political scientist you've never heard of

Venezuelans will head to the polls this weekend for a crucial presidential election. The country is governed by authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election. But he's not very popular. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela's economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left. The displacement has contributed to a migrant surge in the US. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuelans will head to the polls this weekend for a crucial presidential election. The country is governed by authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election. But he's not very popular. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela's economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left. The displacement has contributed to a migrant surge in the US. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

As many as one-third of Venezuelans would consider leaving if Maduro retains power

Cricket is, objectively, not massively popular in Mexico, where soccer and baseball rule. The country's national governing body — the Mexico Cricket Federation — wants to change that and enact social change along the way. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Cricket is, objectively, not massively popular in Mexico, where soccer and baseball rule. The country's national governing body — the Mexico Cricket Federation — wants to change that and enact social change along the way. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Mexico's cricket federation seeks to grow the game in the country's prisons

Typhoon Gaemi is one of the strongest typhoons to affect the Asia–Pacific region in nearly a decade. The storm sparked massive evacuations in the Philippines, and left flooding and landslides in its wake. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Deutsche Welle East Asia Correspondent James Chater about the storm, how the Philippines and Taiwan have been affected so far and where the typhoon is headed next.

Typhoon Gaemi is one of the strongest typhoons to affect the Asia–Pacific region in nearly a decade. The storm sparked massive evacuations in the Philippines, and left flooding and landslides in its wake. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Deutsche Welle East Asia Correspondent James Chater about the storm, how the Philippines and Taiwan have been affected so far and where the typhoon is headed next.

Typhoon Gaemi pounds the Philippines and Taiwan with heavy rains

During his speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called protesters gathered outside "useful idiots." The World's host, Marco Werman, explains where the term came from.

During his speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called protesters gathered outside "useful idiots." The World's host, Marco Werman, explains where the term came from.

Netanyahu denounced critics with an old Cold War term

Brazil is sending 277 athletes to the Paris Olympics this week. It's one of the largest delegations from Latin America. One of the biggest stars from Brazil is Rebeca Andrade, an athlete who has helped build enthusiasm for women's gymnastics across the country and the globe. Michael Fox has the story from southern Brazil.

Brazil is sending 277 athletes to the Paris Olympics this week. It's one of the largest delegations from Latin America. One of the biggest stars from Brazil is Rebeca Andrade, an athlete who has helped build enthusiasm for women's gymnastics across the country and the globe. Michael Fox has the story from southern Brazil.

Brazil’s Olympic delegation led by gymnast Rebeca Andrade  

Changing weather patterns mean that dangerous mosquitos native to Asia are now flourishing in Africa. Anopheles stephensi have recently been detected in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Cristina Rafferty, a molecular biologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells The World’s host, Carolyn Beeler, about a new test she’s developed to help communities identify the invader.

Changing weather patterns mean that dangerous mosquitos native to Asia are now flourishing in Africa. Anopheles stephensi have recently been detected in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Cristina Rafferty, a molecular biologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells The World’s host, Carolyn Beeler, about a new test she’s developed to help communities identify the invader.

Climate change is increasing the threat of malaria, but one researcher is on the case

The women's Olympic soccer competiton starts tomorrow, but the drama has already begun in France. Canada's national women's soccer team is facing sanctions after staff members reportedly flew a drone over the New Zealand team's practice session. The World's Bianca Hillier has the latest.

The women's Olympic soccer competiton starts tomorrow, but the drama has already begun in France. Canada's national women's soccer team is facing sanctions after staff members reportedly flew a drone over the New Zealand team's practice session. The World's Bianca Hillier has the latest.

Members of Canada's soccer staff sent packing after drone incident at the Olympics

Throughout Mexico, agave plants are used to make distillates like tequila, mezcal and bacanora, a similar liquor made in the state of Sonora. But much of the plant goes to waste when agave leaves are stripped and distilled. Kendal Blust reports from Matape, Sonora, on a group that is making new products from the fiber from agave leaves to reduce waste and bring new income to rural communities.This story originally aired on Aug. 11, 2023.

Throughout Mexico, agave plants are used to make distillates like tequila, mezcal and bacanora, a similar liquor made in the state of Sonora. But much of the plant goes to waste when agave leaves are stripped and distilled. Kendal Blust reports from Matape, Sonora, on a group that is making new products from the fiber from agave leaves to reduce waste and bring new income to rural communities.
This story originally aired on Aug. 11, 2023.

Bacanora distillers in Mexico find other uses for agave plant

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, on Wednesday becomes the world leader with a record number of appearances in the US Congress. He'll be giving his fourth speech to a joint session of the House of Representatives, but his primary audience might be the one back home in Israel. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, on Wednesday becomes the world leader with a record number of appearances in the US Congress. He'll be giving his fourth speech to a joint session of the House of Representatives, but his primary audience might be the one back home in Israel. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Israel's Netanyahu addresses Congress at a time of high tension

Though the Olympics are a global event, host France wants the games' organizers to stick to the French language. They say it's because English has encroached too much already. Case in point: The Paris 2024 slogan, "Made for Sharing" — in English. But holding English at bay won't be easy, as The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.

Though the Olympics are a global event, host France wants the games' organizers to stick to the French language. They say it's because English has encroached too much already. Case in point: The Paris 2024 slogan, "Made for Sharing" — in English. But holding English at bay won't be easy, as The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.

Don't say 'Olymipics' s'il vous plaît

Wild sharks off the coast of Brazil have tested positive for cocaine, according to new study by Brazilian scientists, in the latest research to demonstrate how illegal drug consumption by humans is harming marine life. Host Marco Werman speaks with Chris Reddy, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, about the problem of drugs, medicines and other contaminants in harming marine life.

Wild sharks off the coast of Brazil have tested positive for cocaine, according to new study by Brazilian scientists, in the latest research to demonstrate how illegal drug consumption by humans is harming marine life. Host Marco Werman speaks with Chris Reddy, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, about the problem of drugs, medicines and other contaminants in harming marine life.

Cocaine found in sharks in Brazil

An independent inquiry in New Zealand issued a report that found 200,000 people were abused in care over the past seven decades. Children, women and members of the Maori community were found to have been subjects of sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The abuse also continued to occur even after authorities at state and religious institutions were notified. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler report.

An independent inquiry in New Zealand issued a report that found 200,000 people were abused in care over the past seven decades. Children, women and members of the Maori community were found to have been subjects of sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The abuse also continued to occur even after authorities at state and religious institutions were notified. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler report.

New Zealand inquiry finds 'unimaginable' abuse occurred at state and religious institutions

Japan has the oldest population in the world, and the small village of Nanmoku, in the mountains northwest of Tokyo, has the oldest population on the planet. The World's Carolyn Beeler visits Nanmoku to see how demographic change is changing life there, and how the village is trying to attract new residents to keep itself alive.

Japan has the oldest population in the world, and the small village of Nanmoku, in the mountains northwest of Tokyo, has the oldest population on the planet. The World's Carolyn Beeler visits Nanmoku to see how demographic change is changing life there, and how the village is trying to attract new residents to keep itself alive.

Visiting Japan's oldest village

South Africa calls itself a non-aligned nation. Yet in recent years, it’s edged so close to both Russia and China, and it’s risked losing its duty-free access to US markets via the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Members of South Africa's new government of national unity are visiting Washington, DC, this week and hoping to reset relations and renew their eligibility in AGOA, as The Africa Report’s Julian Pecquet explains to The World’s host, Marco Werman.

South Africa calls itself a non-aligned nation. Yet in recent years, it’s edged so close to both Russia and China, and it’s risked losing its duty-free access to US markets via the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Members of South Africa's new government of national unity are visiting Washington, DC, this week and hoping to reset relations and renew their eligibility in AGOA, as The Africa Report’s Julian Pecquet explains to The World’s host, Marco Werman.

South Africa seeks fresh start with Washington

President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not be running for a second term has sent Russia's state news channels into a paroxysm of mockery. Their central theme is that American democracy is a joke and "Putinism," with its stability and strength, is far superior. The World's Daniel Ofman reports that these messages say a lot more about Russia and the Kremlin’s politics than the US election.

President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not be running for a second term has sent Russia's state news channels into a paroxysm of mockery. Their central theme is that American democracy is a joke and "Putinism," with its stability and strength, is far superior. The World's Daniel Ofman reports that these messages say a lot more about Russia and the Kremlin’s politics than the US election.

Russia's political class revels in Biden stepping out of presidential race

China has the second largest economy on the planet, but the growth of that economy is not on target with goals set by Beijing. Host Marco Werman and veteran journalist Jane Perlez explore economic issues like real estate, unemployment and tech. Perlez is the host of the podcast "Face Off: US versus China."

China has the second largest economy on the planet, but the growth of that economy is not on target with goals set by Beijing. Host Marco Werman and veteran journalist Jane Perlez explore economic issues like real estate, unemployment and tech. Perlez is the host of the podcast "Face Off: US versus China."

Chinese economy's highs and lows

New rules are coming to the US border on Aug. 1, and some dog owners are concerned. The World's hosts, Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, have the latest.

New rules are coming to the US border on Aug. 1, and some dog owners are concerned. The World's hosts, Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, have the latest.

New rules at the US border impact dog owners

Hong Kong is more than one of the busiest shipping hubs in the world. It also plays a key role in sanctions busting for Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Hong Kong human rights lawyer, researcher and advocate Samuel Bickett, author of "Beneath the Harbor: Hong Kong’s Leading Role in Sanctions Evasion," about Hong Kong's inadequate efforts to halt the flow of prohibited Western high-tech products to Russia.

Hong Kong is more than one of the busiest shipping hubs in the world. It also plays a key role in sanctions busting for Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Hong Kong human rights lawyer, researcher and advocate Samuel Bickett, author of "Beneath the Harbor: Hong Kong’s Leading Role in Sanctions Evasion," about Hong Kong's inadequate efforts to halt the flow of prohibited Western high-tech products to Russia.

Hong Kong helps regimes evade sanctions

The streets of Paris are crawling with soldiers and police. Parts of the city are off-limits, including much of the Seine river. The "City of Light" is on maximum alert to protect Olympic athletes and fans from terrorist attacks. For some locals, the measures are choking them financially. Others are finding an odd peace, as some streets become deserted. As for tourists, they're just trying to get to the Louvre. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.

The streets of Paris are crawling with soldiers and police. Parts of the city are off-limits, including much of the Seine river. The "City of Light" is on maximum alert to protect Olympic athletes and fans from terrorist attacks. For some locals, the measures are choking them financially. Others are finding an odd peace, as some streets become deserted. As for tourists, they're just trying to get to the Louvre. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.

Parisians brace for Olympics opener, unprecedented security

The United Arab Emirates has sentenced 57 Bangladeshi residents to lengthy terms in prison for protesting in solidarity with people in Bangladesh over job quotas. According to an official Emirati news agency, some of the protesters have been given life sentences and others between 10 and 11 years. Protests are banned in the UAE, a country with a track record of stifling dissent. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The United Arab Emirates has sentenced 57 Bangladeshi residents to lengthy terms in prison for protesting in solidarity with people in Bangladesh over job quotas. According to an official Emirati news agency, some of the protesters have been given life sentences and others between 10 and 11 years. Protests are banned in the UAE, a country with a track record of stifling dissent. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Bangladeshi protesters sentenced in the UAE

It's long been known that chimpanzees "speak" in both sounds and gestures. But now, scientists have shown that different groups of chimpanzees speak at different rates. Kanyawara chimpanzees from Uganda's Kibale National Park, for example, speak in rapid-fire and interrupt each other frequently, much like Americans. The Sonso chimpanzees from the Budongo Forest, also in Uganda, speak more slowly, like the Danes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

It's long been known that chimpanzees "speak" in both sounds and gestures. But now, scientists have shown that different groups of chimpanzees speak at different rates. Kanyawara chimpanzees from Uganda's Kibale National Park, for example, speak in rapid-fire and interrupt each other frequently, much like Americans. The Sonso chimpanzees from the Budongo Forest, also in Uganda, speak more slowly, like the Danes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Chimps speak more like humans than previously realized

Jose Romero, from Cancun, Mexico, had a dream to become an American football player. His journey took him to Arizona and to another slightly different job than what he dreamed of. He told his story to GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Jose Romero, from Cancun, Mexico, had a dream to become an American football player. His journey took him to Arizona and to another slightly different job than what he dreamed of. He told his story to GBH's Stories From The Stage.

An American football commentator's journey from Mexico

An international group of scientists have discovered "dark oxygen" 13,000 feet below the ocean's surface. This "dark oxygen" is actually produced by lumps of metal on the ocean floor that create oxygen without photosynthesis. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with professor of chemistry and co-author of the study, Franz Geiger, about what his discovery tells us about the deep ocean.

An international group of scientists have discovered "dark oxygen" 13,000 feet below the ocean's surface. This "dark oxygen" is actually produced by lumps of metal on the ocean floor that create oxygen without photosynthesis. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with professor of chemistry and co-author of the study, Franz Geiger, about what his discovery tells us about the deep ocean.

Study finds 'dark oxygen' at the bottom of the ocean

BALTHVS brings psychedelic funk to ColombiaBRINGS PSYCHEDELIC FUNK TO COLOMBIA  Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the sounds of Colombian trio BALTHVS, who are bringing back the short-lived psychedelic music era in their country with just enough funk to make it their own.

BALTHVS brings psychedelic funk to Colombia
BRINGS PSYCHEDELIC FUNK TO COLOMBIA 
Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the sounds of Colombian trio BALTHVS, who are bringing back the short-lived psychedelic music era in their country with just enough funk to make it their own.

BALTHVS brings psychedelic funk to Colombia

UNAIDS, the UN agency devoted to combatting the spread of HIV/AIDS, has issued a new report that shows global leaders are getting closer to the goal of eliminating AIDS as a major public health threat by 2030, but there are some growing obstacles causing the effort to stall instead of succeed. Eamonn Murphy, a regional director from UNAIDS, talks about the report and global state of the fight against HIV and AIDS.

UNAIDS, the UN agency devoted to combatting the spread of HIV/AIDS, has issued a new report that shows global leaders are getting closer to the goal of eliminating AIDS as a major public health threat by 2030, but there are some growing obstacles causing the effort to stall instead of succeed. Eamonn Murphy, a regional director from UNAIDS, talks about the report and global state of the fight against HIV and AIDS.

UN report shows AIDS epidemic is on the decline

After Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he's ending his bid for re-election and supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, world leaders have been asked to weigh in on the big political news in the US. American allies offered high praise for Biden's legacy, while the reaction from Russia was far harsher.

After Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he's ending his bid for re-election and supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, world leaders have been asked to weigh in on the big political news in the US. American allies offered high praise for Biden's legacy, while the reaction from Russia was far harsher.