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.

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

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

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.

On day one of her campaign, Kamala Harris touts Joe Biden's record

In Namibia, a project is hoping to solve two issues for the price of one: Make use of a pesky plant known as the encroacher bush and help deal with the country's housing crisis. By harvesting the water-intensive weeds that encroach on farmland and combining them with a mushroom byproduct known as mycelium, MycoHAB founder and architect Chris Maurer says bricks can be created to build homes. The World's host, Carolyn Beeler, spoke to Maurer to learn more.

In Namibia, a project is hoping to solve two issues for the price of one: Make use of a pesky plant known as the encroacher bush and help deal with the country's housing crisis. By harvesting the water-intensive weeds that encroach on farmland and combining them with a mushroom byproduct known as mycelium, MycoHAB founder and architect Chris Maurer says bricks can be created to build homes. The World's host, Carolyn Beeler, spoke to Maurer to learn more.

New project seeks to solve housing crisis using mushroom byproduct and troublesome weed

Two new giant pandas will be coming to the Smithsonian's National Zoo by the end of the year. They're likely to be a huge hit with the public, just like the last pair of pandas. But the bears aren't just cute and cuddly attractions; they're big business for Washington, DC. WAMU reporter Elliot Williams checks in on the“Panda-monium.”

Two new giant pandas will be coming to the Smithsonian's National Zoo by the end of the year. They're likely to be a huge hit with the public, just like the last pair of pandas. But the bears aren't just cute and cuddly attractions; they're big business for Washington, DC. WAMU reporter Elliot Williams checks in on the“Panda-monium.”

The panda bears are cash cows

Kenya is known for its runners above all else. While there will certainly be plenty of those at the Paris Olympics this week, the country is also sending its first fencer Alexandra Ndolo. The German-Polish-Kenyan athlete decided to compete for her father's home country in 2022. Her debut comes amid growing efforts by the Tsavora Fencing Club to make fencing more accessible for Nairobi's youth. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi has the story.

Kenya is known for its runners above all else. While there will certainly be plenty of those at the Paris Olympics this week, the country is also sending its first fencer Alexandra Ndolo. The German-Polish-Kenyan athlete decided to compete for her father's home country in 2022. Her debut comes amid growing efforts by the Tsavora Fencing Club to make fencing more accessible for Nairobi's youth. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi has the story.

Kenya's first fencer heads to he Olympics

The White Mesa Mill in Utah is one of the few remaining places in the US where low-level nuclear waste can be recycled. So, the Canadian-owned mill often takes in hundreds of tons of waste from all over the world. The mill is located just a few miles from the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, whose members have been fighting for decades to shut the facility down. Gabriel Pietrorazio from member station KJZZ reports.

The White Mesa Mill in Utah is one of the few remaining places in the US where low-level nuclear waste can be recycled. So, the Canadian-owned mill often takes in hundreds of tons of waste from all over the world. The mill is located just a few miles from the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, whose members have been fighting for decades to shut the facility down. Gabriel Pietrorazio from member station KJZZ reports.

Utah mill recycles nuclear waste

Mastic gum — an aromatic tree resin prized for its medicinal properties — has been used to flavor everything from desserts to toothpaste. It was used to cure digestive issues in ancient times, and even to preserve photography negatives when the technology was new. On the Greek island of Chios, inhabitants of 24 fortified villages still cultivate mastic, known poetically as "The Tears of Chios." But producers say there aren't enough growers to meet global demand. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Mastic gum — an aromatic tree resin prized for its medicinal properties — has been used to flavor everything from desserts to toothpaste. It was used to cure digestive issues in ancient times, and even to preserve photography negatives when the technology was new. On the Greek island of Chios, inhabitants of 24 fortified villages still cultivate mastic, known poetically as "The Tears of Chios." But producers say there aren't enough growers to meet global demand. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Saving 'The Tears of Chios'

A letter was delivered to the UK government asking for financial assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. It was signed by the leaders of Antigua, Barbuda, St. Vincent and Grenada warning that Caribbean countries cannot sustain the rising debt related to climate disasters. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Emily Wilkinson, a research fellow with the ODI think tank, about the damage sustained to these nations and why they're calling on Britain for help.

A letter was delivered to the UK government asking for financial assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. It was signed by the leaders of Antigua, Barbuda, St. Vincent and Grenada warning that Caribbean countries cannot sustain the rising debt related to climate disasters. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Emily Wilkinson, a research fellow with the ODI think tank, about the damage sustained to these nations and why they're calling on Britain for help.

Calls for 'Marshall Plan' by Caribbean nations following Hurricane Beryl

The volunteer organization "Road to Recovery" started in 1993 with a tragedy. That's when Yuval Roth’s brother was killed by Hamas, and Roth joined a support group for Palestinians and Israelis who had lost loved ones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When Palestinian members of the group began to need help with rides to medical treatments in Israel, Roth jumped in. It soon became a regular thing, and as reporter Rebecca Rosman tells us, it's now an organization of hundreds.

The volunteer organization "Road to Recovery" started in 1993 with a tragedy. That's when Yuval Roth’s brother was killed by Hamas, and Roth joined a support group for Palestinians and Israelis who had lost loved ones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When Palestinian members of the group began to need help with rides to medical treatments in Israel, Roth jumped in. It soon became a regular thing, and as reporter Rebecca Rosman tells us, it's now an organization of hundreds.

A group of Israelis drives Palestinians to get medical care

Israel's high-tech air defense system failed to stop a drone attack launched by the Houthi militia of Yemen on Thursday night. The strike killed one man in his apartment, and at least 10 others were injured. Nearly 10 months into the war between Hamas and Israel, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports that this attack fuels worries in Washington about the conflict spreading spreading into a wider regional war.

Israel's high-tech air defense system failed to stop a drone attack launched by the Houthi militia of Yemen on Thursday night. The strike killed one man in his apartment, and at least 10 others were injured. Nearly 10 months into the war between Hamas and Israel, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports that this attack fuels worries in Washington about the conflict spreading spreading into a wider regional war.

Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv kills 1 man, injures several more

A journalist who made fun of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's height must pay her 5,000 euros in damages. Host Carol Hills has the details.

A journalist who made fun of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's height must pay her 5,000 euros in damages. Host Carol Hills has the details.