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.

As Mexico prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns are growing that the tournament’s economic boom could also expand illicit markets in host cities. There are indicators of a rise in “narco-businesses” embedded in tourism sectors like nightlife, transportation and short-term rentals — raising questions about who will truly profit when millions of visitors arrive. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on the hidden economies already kicking off.

As Mexico prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns are growing that the tournament’s economic boom could also expand illicit markets in host cities. There are indicators of a rise in “narco-businesses” embedded in tourism sectors like nightlife, transportation and short-term rentals — raising questions about who will truly profit when millions of visitors arrive. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on the hidden economies already kicking off.

Criminal groups eye World Cup profits in Mexico

The Pacific island nation of Fiji has rejected an idea to build an incinerator for Western fashion houses. A French fashion mogul and an Australian billionaire pitched an idea to send non-recyclable trash from all over the region to the island, and then burn it, as a source of energy. Host Marco Werman has the details.

The Pacific island nation of Fiji has rejected an idea to build an incinerator for Western fashion houses. A French fashion mogul and an Australian billionaire pitched an idea to send non-recyclable trash from all over the region to the island, and then burn it, as a source of energy. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Fiji refuses to become a trash receptor for the West

A sherpa who was missing for a week on Mount Everest has been found alive by a cleaning crew on the tallest mountain. The 52-year-old Hillary Dawa Sherpa was seen crawling his way towards the base camp. This miracle comes at the end of the busiest seasons in the mountain's history. Host Marco Werman talks with journalist Ben Ayers, who has been reporting from the base camp in Nepal all season.

A sherpa who was missing for a week on Mount Everest has been found alive by a cleaning crew on the tallest mountain. The 52-year-old Hillary Dawa Sherpa was seen crawling his way towards the base camp. This miracle comes at the end of the busiest seasons in the mountain's history. Host Marco Werman talks with journalist Ben Ayers, who has been reporting from the base camp in Nepal all season.

Miraculous survival at end of season on Mount Everest

For almost three decades, the T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo band was cranking out hit after hit in West Africa. Its members were so prolific that in their prime they were issuing hits every three weeks. Now, some of their more obscure "B-sides" have come out on the compilation, "West African Beat: Rare 7s and EPs from Benin and Niger."

For almost three decades, the T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo band was cranking out hit after hit in West Africa. Its members were so prolific that in their prime they were issuing hits every three weeks. Now, some of their more obscure "B-sides" have come out on the compilation, "West African Beat: Rare 7s and EPs from Benin and Niger."

The hit-making machine from Benin

Ellie Wilson is a classically trained violinist who has previously performed in rock and folk bands.  She uses moth data to create songs to highlight the importance of the insect. Reporter Bianca Hillier brought us this story last year. This story originally aired on June 12, 2025.

Ellie Wilson is a classically trained violinist who has previously performed in rock and folk bands. 
She uses moth data to create songs to highlight the importance of the insect. Reporter Bianca Hillier brought us this story last year. 
This story originally aired on June 12, 2025.

Musician uses moth data to create song highlighting insect's importance

There is a tradition in Germany called “Aufguss.” It combines the heat of a sauna with aromatherapy using essential oils. But the practice has evolved into something theatrical. “Show Aufguss” mixes together that experience with music and choreographed towel movements, performed by so-called “Aufguss masters." And it’s getting quite competitive. The World dispatched reporter Joshua Coe in Denmark to sweat it out for the country’s national championships.

There is a tradition in Germany called “Aufguss.” It combines the heat of a sauna with aromatherapy using essential oils. But the practice has evolved into something theatrical. “Show Aufguss” mixes together that experience with music and choreographed towel movements, performed by so-called “Aufguss masters." And it’s getting quite competitive. The World dispatched reporter Joshua Coe in Denmark to sweat it out for the country’s national championships.

'Show Aufguss' fills saunas with steam, theatrics and heated competitions

Voters in Peru head to the polls this weekend for a runoff presidential election. One key issue shaping their decisions is a wave of extortion that has surged in recent years. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Peruvian journalist Marco Sifuentes, based in Spain, about the dynamics heading into the vote.

Voters in Peru head to the polls this weekend for a runoff presidential election. One key issue shaping their decisions is a wave of extortion that has surged in recent years. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Peruvian journalist Marco Sifuentes, based in Spain, about the dynamics heading into the vote.

Peruvians to vote in runoff election

Iran has conditioned a ceasefire with the US with an end to the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Tehran has long had a close relationship with the Lebanese militant group, and as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, it is now using it as leverage in the talks with the US.

Iran has conditioned a ceasefire with the US with an end to the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Tehran has long had a close relationship with the Lebanese militant group, and as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, it is now using it as leverage in the talks with the US.

Why has Iran linked a deal with the US to events in Lebanon?

The Iranian author Marjane Satrapi has died at the age of 56. She was famous for her graphic novel "Persepolis," which blended memoir and political history in the story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with professor Nahid Siamdoust about Satrapi's literary impact and legacy.

The Iranian author Marjane Satrapi has died at the age of 56. She was famous for her graphic novel "Persepolis," which blended memoir and political history in the story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with professor Nahid Siamdoust about Satrapi's literary impact and legacy.

Iranian author of 'Persepolis,' Marjane Satrapi, dies at 56

The US, Canada and Australia all have sports they call football, and they're not "the beautiful game" that's soon to get underway at the World Cup in North America. The World's Gerry Hadden takes a look at what people from different parts of the world think about the sport's name, and whether a common moniker can ever be agreed upon.

The US, Canada and Australia all have sports they call football, and they're not "the beautiful game" that's soon to get underway at the World Cup in North America. The World's Gerry Hadden takes a look at what people from different parts of the world think about the sport's name, and whether a common moniker can ever be agreed upon.

Questions over 'soccer' or 'football' arise as World Cup looms

Kenya is a powerhouse when it comes to geothermal energy. The country generates about half of its electricity by harnessing the Earth's heat. Its neighboring countries have the same underground resources, but almost no geothermal power. Now that is starting to change. For The Big Fix, Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Anderson Kehbila, an expert on climate and energy with the Stockholm Environment Institute's Africa Center, based in Nairobi.

Kenya is a powerhouse when it comes to geothermal energy. The country generates about half of its electricity by harnessing the Earth's heat. Its neighboring countries have the same underground resources, but almost no geothermal power. Now that is starting to change. For The Big Fix, Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Anderson Kehbila, an expert on climate and energy with the Stockholm Environment Institute's Africa Center, based in Nairobi.

Kenya is a leader in geothermal power. Now it's helping its neighbors do the same.

The ongoing bloodshed between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon almost hit a pause, when the two sides announced a ceasefire yesterday. But today that deal is off. This latest attempt comes on the heels of a 10-day agreement in April and then a 45-day extension in May. Each agreement has been derailed by back-and-forth strikes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details on the latest agreement and what factors are putting it at risk.

The ongoing bloodshed between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon almost hit a pause, when the two sides announced a ceasefire yesterday. But today that deal is off. This latest attempt comes on the heels of a 10-day agreement in April and then a 45-day extension in May. Each agreement has been derailed by back-and-forth strikes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details on the latest agreement and what factors are putting it at risk.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah

This Fourth of July marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Although a defining moment for the US, “life, liberty and happiness” were not strictly American pursuits — and indeed the Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. As we approach US Independence Day, The World is taking a look at the American Revolution and its global reverberations. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book, “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."

This Fourth of July marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Although a defining moment for the US, “life, liberty and happiness” were not strictly American pursuits — and indeed the Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. As we approach US Independence Day, The World is taking a look at the American Revolution and its global reverberations. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book, “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."

How the American Revolution kicked off a global 'age of revolutions'

Today marks 37 years since Chinese troops opened fire on peaceful protestors in Tiananmen Square. For three decades after the 1989 massacre, Hong Kong was the only place on Chinese soil where large public commemorations honored those killed. Today, in Hong Kong, even symbolic acts caught police attention, as journalist Tom Grundy explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Today marks 37 years since Chinese troops opened fire on peaceful protestors in Tiananmen Square. For three decades after the 1989 massacre, Hong Kong was the only place on Chinese soil where large public commemorations honored those killed. Today, in Hong Kong, even symbolic acts caught police attention, as journalist Tom Grundy explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Symbolic Tiananmen anniversary acts met with police intervention in Hong Kong

Kenyan protesters are demonstrating against plans to build a quarantine center in Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics of the planned facility say it exposes Kenyans to risk, without offering them the same protections provided for US citizens. Journalist Joy Kirigia in Nairobi discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Kenyan protesters are demonstrating against plans to build a quarantine center in Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics of the planned facility say it exposes Kenyans to risk, without offering them the same protections provided for US citizens. Journalist Joy Kirigia in Nairobi discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

US-run Ebola quarantine facility sparks backlash in Kenya

There are around 415,000 African elephants left in the world. Their numbers have drastically decreased mostly due to poaching and habitat loss. In fact, what are believed to be the last three elephants still in a zoo, are currently in the middle of a court battle to determine their future. Reporter Elna Schütz visited them at the Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa.

There are around 415,000 African elephants left in the world. Their numbers have drastically decreased mostly due to poaching and habitat loss. In fact, what are believed to be the last three elephants still in a zoo, are currently in the middle of a court battle to determine their future. Reporter Elna Schütz visited them at the Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa.

Lawsuit hopes to get three African elephants out of the Johannesburg Zoo

The late Francis Bebey was a musical innovator from Cameroon who used the sounds of the natural world in his music, long before other artists were similarly inspired. Bebey's seminal album was "Trésor Magnétique." Now, that album has been remixed by a new generation of artists. Host Marco Werman speaks to Patrick Bebey, one of the musical pioneer's sons.This story originally aired on Sept. 10, 2025.

The late Francis Bebey was a musical innovator from Cameroon who used the sounds of the natural world in his music, long before other artists were similarly inspired. Bebey's seminal album was "Trésor Magnétique." Now, that album has been remixed by a new generation of artists. Host Marco Werman speaks to Patrick Bebey, one of the musical pioneer's sons.
This story originally aired on Sept. 10, 2025.

Patrick Bebey remembers his father's musical legacy

Over the weekend, Japan's crown prince and others released eight crested ibises in north-central Japan. It was the first time in decades that the birds have been seen in the wild. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have details.

Over the weekend, Japan's crown prince and others released eight crested ibises in north-central Japan. It was the first time in decades that the birds have been seen in the wild. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have details.

Japan releases 8 birds into the wild that were extinct in the country

The word "fintech" has come to mean many things — from apps like Venmo and Square that allow us to use a smartphone to pay for things, to crypto, blockchains and online banking. But there's another very important Fintech at play: games. As in, those coming out of Finland's booming gaming industry. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Lars Bevanger went to northern Finland, where they've been teaching gaming for around 20 years.

The word "fintech" has come to mean many things — from apps like Venmo and Square that allow us to use a smartphone to pay for things, to crypto, blockchains and online banking. But there's another very important Fintech at play: games. As in, those coming out of Finland's booming gaming industry. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Lars Bevanger went to northern Finland, where they've been teaching gaming for around 20 years.

A different kind of 'Fintech'

Conflicts around the world impact people's daily lives, but wars also impact our understanding of the past. That's true in Sudan, where an ancient civilization known for millennia as the Kingdom of Kush once thrived. Research about that civilization is underway, but war is making it difficult. Geoff Emberling at the University of Michigan, is an archaeologist who is the co-director of the Jebel Barkal archeology site in northern Sudan. He speaks with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

Conflicts around the world impact people's daily lives, but wars also impact our understanding of the past. That's true in Sudan, where an ancient civilization known for millennia as the Kingdom of Kush once thrived. Research about that civilization is underway, but war is making it difficult. Geoff Emberling at the University of Michigan, is an archaeologist who is the co-director of the Jebel Barkal archeology site in northern Sudan. He speaks with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

How Sudan's civil war disrupts research into the ancient civilization of Kush

It was the era of Charlie's Angels, and a young Palestinian American girl living in Maryland struggled to fit in among a group of girls she called "The Jennifers." As part of the GBH series Stories from the Stage, in Boston, Lena Rizkallah recalled an elaborate plan she hatched to become part of the group. The first step would be getting a popular toy, at the time, known as a Crissy doll. The plan didn't turn out quite the way Rizkallah expected.

It was the era of Charlie's Angels, and a young Palestinian American girl living in Maryland struggled to fit in among a group of girls she called "The Jennifers." As part of the GBH series Stories from the Stage, in Boston, Lena Rizkallah recalled an elaborate plan she hatched to become part of the group. The first step would be getting a popular toy, at the time, known as a Crissy doll. The plan didn't turn out quite the way Rizkallah expected.

A childhood search for belonging gone awry

Otzi the Iceman, the mummified Copper Age man discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991, has been dead for more than 5,000 years. But a new study has found multiple types of microbes that survived the extreme cold of the glacier that preserved his body. Scientist Frank Maixner told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that some of these microbes came from the environment, while others were part of his gut microbiome, which could offer new insights for future medical research.

Otzi the Iceman, the mummified Copper Age man discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991, has been dead for more than 5,000 years. But a new study has found multiple types of microbes that survived the extreme cold of the glacier that preserved his body. Scientist Frank Maixner told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that some of these microbes came from the environment, while others were part of his gut microbiome, which could offer new insights for future medical research.

New study of Otzi the iceman identifies surviving microbes

Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Norway, six months after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize award there. Speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum today, Machado said she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expressed confidence that the country will emerge from authoritarian rule. She also renewed her call for free and fair elections in Venezuela in the near future. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry met with Machado in Oslo and spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Norway, six months after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize award there. Speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum today, Machado said she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expressed confidence that the country will emerge from authoritarian rule. She also renewed her call for free and fair elections in Venezuela in the near future. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry met with Machado in Oslo and spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado uses Oslo stage to press for new elections

They're supposed to be safe places, both for kids and for parents. But police in Paris have suspended dozens of school assistants in over 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. The assistants work in cafeterias or lead after-school activities — and they don't go through the same vetting process as teachers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

They're supposed to be safe places, both for kids and for parents. But police in Paris have suspended dozens of school assistants in over 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. The assistants work in cafeterias or lead after-school activities — and they don't go through the same vetting process as teachers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Paris' worst child abuse scandal uncovered in public schools

It began as a hit song in South Africa by pop star Nomcebo Zikode. She embraced "Jerusalema" as a way to encourage herself to persist in music, and listeners felt the redemption in her voice. Then came the dance challenge, which was followed by a more introspective take on the song by Angelique Kidjo at the rededication of Notre Dame. And now, Kidjo has included "Jerusalema" on her newest recording, "Hope." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

It began as a hit song in South Africa by pop star Nomcebo Zikode. She embraced "Jerusalema" as a way to encourage herself to persist in music, and listeners felt the redemption in her voice. Then came the dance challenge, which was followed by a more introspective take on the song by Angelique Kidjo at the rededication of Notre Dame. And now, Kidjo has included "Jerusalema" on her newest recording, "Hope." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

South African pop song gets a big boost

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instituted a free school lunch program a year ago. In that time, there has been increasing controversy after thousands of cases of food poisoning, students finding maggots in their meals and criticism that the financial costs of the program would be better spent on teacher training and pay. Dave Grunebaum reports from Jakarta.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instituted a free school lunch program a year ago. In that time, there has been increasing controversy after thousands of cases of food poisoning, students finding maggots in their meals and criticism that the financial costs of the program would be better spent on teacher training and pay. Dave Grunebaum reports from Jakarta.

Indonesian lunch program is flailing

Starting this month, the US will begin dismantling an extensive deep sea observation system used by scientists around the world to understand how climate change is impacting the Earth’s oceans. While most of the 900 scientific instruments are positioned in the waters off US states, one particular array — in the waters south of Greenland — is crucial for studying the impact of climate change on the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler heard from René van Westen, an oceanographer at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Starting this month, the US will begin dismantling an extensive deep sea observation system used by scientists around the world to understand how climate change is impacting the Earth’s oceans. While most of the 900 scientific instruments are positioned in the waters off US states, one particular array — in the waters south of Greenland — is crucial for studying the impact of climate change on the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler heard from René van Westen, an oceanographer at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

US to remove sensors used to study climate change impacts on Atlantic Ocean

Ahead of the World Cup, Mexico City has turned the axolotl into a kind of unofficial mascot. The smiling salamander now appears on trains, murals, bridges and public art across the capital. Mexicans love the axolotl: It’s local, iconic and deeply tied to the city’s identity. But the real thing is disappearing from the wild. The World's Tibisay Zea looks into the debate over celebrating the animal while the ecosystem it depends on remains at risk.

Ahead of the World Cup, Mexico City has turned the axolotl into a kind of unofficial mascot. The smiling salamander now appears on trains, murals, bridges and public art across the capital. Mexicans love the axolotl: It’s local, iconic and deeply tied to the city’s identity. But the real thing is disappearing from the wild. The World's Tibisay Zea looks into the debate over celebrating the animal while the ecosystem it depends on remains at risk.

A World Cup mascot raises questions in Mexico City

Musicians often shift identities. Korean American Charley Yang is no exception. His fans first got to know him as BoyWithUke, now he's releasing music as Chandol. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell us what's behind the name change.

Musicians often shift identities. Korean American Charley Yang is no exception. His fans first got to know him as BoyWithUke, now he's releasing music as Chandol. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell us what's behind the name change.

BoyWithUke is now Chandol

Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield has stalled. Mark Galeotti, a scholar of Russian security affairs at University College London tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that he’s seeing an increasingly open campaign inside Russia to try to persuade President Vladimir Putin to wind down the war.

Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield has stalled. Mark Galeotti, a scholar of Russian security affairs at University College London tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that he’s seeing an increasingly open campaign inside Russia to try to persuade President Vladimir Putin to wind down the war.