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.

Every year, a sleepy town 50 miles north of Lagos, Nigeria, holds the World Twins Festival. It's a celebration of the community's unusually high rate of twin births — about 50 twins per thousand babies compared to an average of about 12 around the world. Host Carolyn Beeler has more information about the festival held last week.

Every year, a sleepy town 50 miles north of Lagos, Nigeria, holds the World Twins Festival. It's a celebration of the community's unusually high rate of twin births — about 50 twins per thousand babies compared to an average of about 12 around the world. Host Carolyn Beeler has more information about the festival held last week.

Nigeria celebrates annual World Twins Festival

It takes an average of four to six months for a thru-hiker to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. Julie Brock however, a 59-year-old runner from Australia, finished in just over two months. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Brock about the experience.

It takes an average of four to six months for a thru-hiker to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. Julie Brock however, a 59-year-old runner from Australia, finished in just over two months. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Brock about the experience.

Australian runner sets new record on Pacific Crest Trail

The Terada Honke sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Reporter Hannah Kirshner captures these rare sounds in an audio postcard and tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

The Terada Honke sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Reporter Hannah Kirshner captures these rare sounds in an audio postcard and tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

Japan's sacred sake songs

Mashid Nazemi was already an activist living outside her country of Iran when the Woman Life Freedom uprising began in 2022. But it was during those protests that the outspoken advocate was thrown into a deportation camp in Turkey. Nazemi now lives in France, under police protection, and life is better — though she still gets death threats. And although the 2022 movement fell short of its goals, women's lives are different now. Reporter Fariba Nawa recently spoke with Nazemi for her perspective on what has and hasn't changed, and to learn what gives the activist hope.

Mashid Nazemi was already an activist living outside her country of Iran when the Woman Life Freedom uprising began in 2022. But it was during those protests that the outspoken advocate was thrown into a deportation camp in Turkey. Nazemi now lives in France, under police protection, and life is better — though she still gets death threats. And although the 2022 movement fell short of its goals, women's lives are different now. Reporter Fariba Nawa recently spoke with Nazemi for her perspective on what has and hasn't changed, and to learn what gives the activist hope.

This Iranian dissident is still fighting for women's rights

As Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, a video made the rounds on social media. It appears to show Hamas gunmen executing a group of eight men in the street in Gaza City, accusing them of being criminals and collaborators with Israel. There have also been gun battles inside the Gaza Strip between Hamas and rival groups. One expert says Hamas wants to reassert its control in the territory and send a warning to any group that would challenge its authority. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

As Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, a video made the rounds on social media. It appears to show Hamas gunmen executing a group of eight men in the street in Gaza City, accusing them of being criminals and collaborators with Israel. There have also been gun battles inside the Gaza Strip between Hamas and rival groups. One expert says Hamas wants to reassert its control in the territory and send a warning to any group that would challenge its authority. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Hamas is sending a message to Palestinian rivals

More than 4,000 Americans applied for British citizenship in the first half of this year — a record, and a 39% increase from last year. And those who are leaving the US are taking their beloved pets with them. That’s supercharged an industry that took off after the COVID-19 started — pet-centric charter travel, where the dogs — and some cats — fly upfront. Jane Little traveled to the UK with her dog, Ronin, and found luxury — and some stress — in the whole process.

More than 4,000 Americans applied for British citizenship in the first half of this year — a record, and a 39% increase from last year. And those who are leaving the US are taking their beloved pets with them. That’s supercharged an industry that took off after the COVID-19 started — pet-centric charter travel, where the dogs — and some cats — fly upfront. Jane Little traveled to the UK with her dog, Ronin, and found luxury — and some stress — in the whole process.

Why shouldn't your pooch fly first class, too?

Revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died this week at age 80, played a pivotal role in institutionalizing multiparty democracy and shaping Kenya’s constitution. But he was also known as a ruthless politician who formed alliances with rivals in a relentless, though ultimately unsuccessful, quest for the presidency. Kenyan journalist Ramah Nyang explores Odinga’s legacy with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died this week at age 80, played a pivotal role in institutionalizing multiparty democracy and shaping Kenya’s constitution. But he was also known as a ruthless politician who formed alliances with rivals in a relentless, though ultimately unsuccessful, quest for the presidency. Kenyan journalist Ramah Nyang explores Odinga’s legacy with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Kenyans mourn Raila Odinga, power broker and multiparty democracy advocate

Each year, fishermen discard tons of worn out gear, which often makes its way across the Pacific Ocean and winds up on Hawaii’s beaches. In an effort to both clean up the ocean and find a way to recycle the junk, some of that fishing gear is now being sent up to Omaha, Nebraska, where it's being repurposed. Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports.

Each year, fishermen discard tons of worn out gear, which often makes its way across the Pacific Ocean and winds up on Hawaii’s beaches. In an effort to both clean up the ocean and find a way to recycle the junk, some of that fishing gear is now being sent up to Omaha, Nebraska, where it's being repurposed. Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports.

Omaha firm repurposes much the world's fishing junk

Taliban forces have clashed with Pakistani troops along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in recent days. The Taliban said Pakistan targeted Kabul with airstrikes last week and the attacks on border posts were in retaliation. It’s a significant escalation in the growing tensions between the two countries. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada and France. He's now with the Atlantic Council and joined the show from Washington.

Taliban forces have clashed with Pakistani troops along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in recent days. The Taliban said Pakistan targeted Kabul with airstrikes last week and the attacks on border posts were in retaliation. It’s a significant escalation in the growing tensions between the two countries. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada and France. He's now with the Atlantic Council and joined the show from Washington.

Rising tensions between Taliban and Pakistan following border clashes

Truckloads of aid are entering Gaza, but the long-promised surge in deliveries has yet to materialize. Israeli officials say the key Rafah border crossing will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of all slain hostages. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with Sean Carroll, president of the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a relief organization with deep roots in Gaza.

Truckloads of aid are entering Gaza, but the long-promised surge in deliveries has yet to materialize. Israeli officials say the key Rafah border crossing will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of all slain hostages. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with Sean Carroll, president of the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a relief organization with deep roots in Gaza.

Aid groups say trickle of supplies entering Gaza is 'not enough yet'

The US military has long been a leader in adapting to the realities of climate change. But that could change under the Trump administration. The new budget request for the Department of Defense would eliminate $1.6 billion in funding for climate change research and adaptation planning. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Floodlight reporter Ames Alexander about what this would mean for military operations.

The US military has long been a leader in adapting to the realities of climate change. But that could change under the Trump administration. The new budget request for the Department of Defense would eliminate $1.6 billion in funding for climate change research and adaptation planning. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Floodlight reporter Ames Alexander about what this would mean for military operations.

Pentagon could cut $1.6 billion in funding for climate research

Jan Marsalek's face is on wanted posters all over Germany, after the financial tech firm he ran evaporated in a $2.5 billion fraud case in 2020. Now, a group of journalists, including GBH's Frontline, is working with investigator Christo Grozev to prove Marsalek is in Moscow, and has been working with Russian intelligence services for years. Grozev describes the ongoing investigation to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Jan Marsalek's face is on wanted posters all over Germany, after the financial tech firm he ran evaporated in a $2.5 billion fraud case in 2020. Now, a group of journalists, including GBH's Frontline, is working with investigator Christo Grozev to prove Marsalek is in Moscow, and has been working with Russian intelligence services for years. Grozev describes the ongoing investigation to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Germany's most wanted man, walking free in Moscow

In Mexico, authorities have deployed the military — alongside civilian personnel — to reopen roads in more than 300 communities. Torrential rains, flooding and landslides were seen in five states near the Gulf of Mexico, as Host Marco Werrman explains.

In Mexico, authorities have deployed the military — alongside civilian personnel — to reopen roads in more than 300 communities. Torrential rains, flooding and landslides were seen in five states near the Gulf of Mexico, as Host Marco Werrman explains.

Central and eastern Mexico clean up from flooding

When writer Robin Reif's adopted daughter wanted to know where she came from, she decided it was important to go back to China to find answers for her daughter. So, they flew 7,000 miles to try and find a slip of paper that had been left with her daughter as a baby. Reif shared this memory with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

When writer Robin Reif's adopted daughter wanted to know where she came from, she decided it was important to go back to China to find answers for her daughter. So, they flew 7,000 miles to try and find a slip of paper that had been left with her daughter as a baby. Reif shared this memory with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

SFTS: A mother travels with her adopted daughter to China for answers

US President Donald Trump landed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, today to take part in a summit with more than 20 world leaders. They will be signing a peace deal, brokered by Trump, for ending the war in Gaza. "It’s peace in the Middle East," Trump said. "Everyone said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen." Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails. But there are many potential obstacles ahead for securing lasting peace in Gaza and anything like the regional peace that Trump is talking about. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

US President Donald Trump landed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, today to take part in a summit with more than 20 world leaders. They will be signing a peace deal, brokered by Trump, for ending the war in Gaza. "It’s peace in the Middle East," Trump said. "Everyone said it’s not possible to do. And it’s going to happen." Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails. But there are many potential obstacles ahead for securing lasting peace in Gaza and anything like the regional peace that Trump is talking about. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

'It's peace in the Middle East'

Poet Raymond Antrobus and percussionist Evelyn Glennie are back with their second collaboration, "Aloud." It's a collection of poems and music by Jamaican-British Antrobus and the Scottish musician. They speak to Host Marco Werman about their collaboration and the responsibility they both feel about being two of the most famous, living deaf artists in the world.

Poet Raymond Antrobus and percussionist Evelyn Glennie are back with their second collaboration, "Aloud." It's a collection of poems and music by Jamaican-British Antrobus and the Scottish musician. They speak to Host Marco Werman about their collaboration and the responsibility they both feel about being two of the most famous, living deaf artists in the world.

'Poetry can be like a piece of music'

Germany’s politics may be hopelessly polarized, but there’s one thing every German can agree on: They all love to hate the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway. It's a national joke — and the Deutsche Bahn is laughing along with it. Reporter Valerie Hamilton has the story.

Germany’s politics may be hopelessly polarized, but there’s one thing every German can agree on: They all love to hate the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway. It's a national joke — and the Deutsche Bahn is laughing along with it. Reporter Valerie Hamilton has the story.

The trains in Germany don't run on time

With more international ships traveling in the Arctic, The US Coast Guard is proposing a new two-way shipping route along the northern Alaska coast. The idea is to make travel in the region more efficient — and so better for the environment. The Alaska Desk's Alena Naiden reports from Anchorage.

With more international ships traveling in the Arctic, The US Coast Guard is proposing a new two-way shipping route along the northern Alaska coast. The idea is to make travel in the region more efficient — and so better for the environment. The Alaska Desk's Alena Naiden reports from Anchorage.

New Arctic route could make travel quicker and more environmentally friendly

There was speculation Monday that Madagascar's president fled the country after an influential branch of the military said this past weekend that it was taking control of the rest of the armed forces and backing the ongoing "Gen Z" protests. The president had called the military’s actions a coup. Host Marco Werman learns more from Solofo Randrianja, a historian of Madagascar’s contemporary politics at the University of Toamasina, the country's second largest city.

There was speculation Monday that Madagascar's president fled the country after an influential branch of the military said this past weekend that it was taking control of the rest of the armed forces and backing the ongoing "Gen Z" protests. The president had called the military’s actions a coup. Host Marco Werman learns more from Solofo Randrianja, a historian of Madagascar’s contemporary politics at the University of Toamasina, the country's second largest city.

Madagascar's military backs 'Gen Z' protests. Nation's president calls it a coup.

Two years of grief and anger in Israel turned into euphoria today with the release of 20 living hostages who survived kidnapping on Oct. 7, 2023, and captivity in Gaza since then. Israelis greeted US President Donald Trump as a hero who secured the hostages' release, while they booed their own Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not acting sooner. Reporter Noga Tarnopolsky spent the day in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, and breaks down the day's events to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Two years of grief and anger in Israel turned into euphoria today with the release of 20 living hostages who survived kidnapping on Oct. 7, 2023, and captivity in Gaza since then. Israelis greeted US President Donald Trump as a hero who secured the hostages' release, while they booed their own Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not acting sooner. Reporter Noga Tarnopolsky spent the day in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, and breaks down the day's events to Host Carolyn Beeler.

As Israelis celebrate the release of hostages, questions loom

Since August, Ukraine has been targeting Russia's oil industry with drone strikes. Dozens of attacks in recent weeks have had ripple effects on a vital sector of Russia's economy. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Craig Kennedy, an expert on Russia's oil industry at Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Since August, Ukraine has been targeting Russia's oil industry with drone strikes. Dozens of attacks in recent weeks have had ripple effects on a vital sector of Russia's economy. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Craig Kennedy, an expert on Russia's oil industry at Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Ukrainian drones target Russia's oil industry

The Israeli military pulled its forces back from parts of the central Gaza Strip. And earlier today, large crowds of Palestinians started walking back to their homes — or what's left of them — in Gaza City. Many Israelis and Palestinians are hoping this is the end of the war, not just another temporary truce. What comes next in the US-brokered peace plan? Early next week, all living hostages held in Gaza for the last two years are expected to be released, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will go free from Israeli jails. After that, there are lots of unanswered questions and potential roadblocks on the road to lasting peace. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

The Israeli military pulled its forces back from parts of the central Gaza Strip. And earlier today, large crowds of Palestinians started walking back to their homes — or what's left of them — in Gaza City. Many Israelis and Palestinians are hoping this is the end of the war, not just another temporary truce. What comes next in the US-brokered peace plan? Early next week, all living hostages held in Gaza for the last two years are expected to be released, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will go free from Israeli jails. After that, there are lots of unanswered questions and potential roadblocks on the road to lasting peace. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

A ceasefire in Gaza takes hold. But it's just a start.

Only an estimated 100,000 speak the Judeo-Spanish language known as Ladino, once common among Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana tells us her story.This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Only an estimated 100,000 speak the Judeo-Spanish language known as Ladino, once common among Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana tells us her story.
This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Saving the Ladino language, one song at a time

A NASA satellite dipped into Venus' upper atmosphere in the summer of 2020 and recorded radio waves. The agency translated those radio waves into sound waves, which revealed how Venus' atmosphere reacts to the sun. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, this gives scientists more insight into why Venus is so different from Earth, despite their similar sizes. When the probe flew super close to the sun, through its corona, the translated sounds were haunting.

A NASA satellite dipped into Venus' upper atmosphere in the summer of 2020 and recorded radio waves. The agency translated those radio waves into sound waves, which revealed how Venus' atmosphere reacts to the sun. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, this gives scientists more insight into why Venus is so different from Earth, despite their similar sizes. When the probe flew super close to the sun, through its corona, the translated sounds were haunting.

The spooky sounds near the sun

This week Australia signed major security deals with India and Papua New Guinea and there's one country that's not especially happy: China. The partnerships come amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Patricia O'Brien, an Australia and Pacific analyst at Georgetown University in Washington.

This week Australia signed major security deals with India and Papua New Guinea and there's one country that's not especially happy: China. The partnerships come amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Patricia O'Brien, an Australia and Pacific analyst at Georgetown University in Washington.

Australia signs security deals with India and Papua New Guinea

One of the potential sticking points in the proposal put forward by the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza is for Hamas to give up its weapons. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on what we know so far about this part of the negotiations.

One of the potential sticking points in the proposal put forward by the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza is for Hamas to give up its weapons. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on what we know so far about this part of the negotiations.

A sticking point in Trump's Gaza deal: disarming Hamas

China has expanded its restrictions on the export of rare earths, minerals critical for everything from electronics to renewable energy production. This comes weeks before talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jonathan Czin, China fellow at the Brookings Institution, about what this new restriction means.

China has expanded its restrictions on the export of rare earths, minerals critical for everything from electronics to renewable energy production. This comes weeks before talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jonathan Czin, China fellow at the Brookings Institution, about what this new restriction means.

Ahead of US talks, China expands restrictions on rare earth mineral exports

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long fight to restore democracy in her country. From hiding in Caracas, the 58-year-old called the award “an achievement of a whole society.” The honor shines new light on Venezuela’s political crisis — and on a woman many see as the enduring symbol of resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long fight to restore democracy in her country. From hiding in Caracas, the 58-year-old called the award “an achievement of a whole society.” The honor shines new light on Venezuela’s political crisis — and on a woman many see as the enduring symbol of resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

Venezuela's 'Iron Lady' wins the Nobel Peace Prize

In July, 24 European Union lawmakers agreed to undertake blood tests to check their bodies for “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. The chemicals have been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility. They are found in everything from nonstick frying pans to pizza boxes. This week, their test results came back. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

In July, 24 European Union lawmakers agreed to undertake blood tests to check their bodies for “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. The chemicals have been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility. They are found in everything from nonstick frying pans to pizza boxes. This week, their test results came back. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

European lawmakers' tests find 'forever chemicals' in their blood

Unending street protests, prime ministers forced to resign. France has had three prime ministers since snap elections in 2024 destabilized President Emmanuel Macron's centrist, business-friendly government. The instability continues as parties from the far-left to the far-right dig in their heels, hoping to topple Macron and scramble to the top of the political heap. The World's Gerry Hadden explains why this is making European leaders nervous.

Unending street protests, prime ministers forced to resign. France has had three prime ministers since snap elections in 2024 destabilized President Emmanuel Macron's centrist, business-friendly government. The instability continues as parties from the far-left to the far-right dig in their heels, hoping to topple Macron and scramble to the top of the political heap. The World's Gerry Hadden explains why this is making European leaders nervous.