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

The list of the world's wonders is always getting revised. But the team at Atlas Obscura has come up with a new list, cataloged in the new book "Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to The World's Living Wonders." The World's Carol Hills talks to the book's authors Cara Giaimo and Joshua Foer.

The list of the world's wonders is always getting revised. But the team at Atlas Obscura has come up with a new list, cataloged in the new book "Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to The World's Living Wonders." The World's Carol Hills talks to the book's authors Cara Giaimo and Joshua Foer.

A catalog of 'living wonders'

Ryosuke Kiyasu is a respected heavy metal and jazz drummer in Japan who takes on a different style in his solo drum shows -—playing a snare drum with his teeth, kicking the drum around the room and often destroying furniture, among other things. He spends six months on the road and sells out small venues all over the world. Jamie Fullerton caught up with the drummer in Warsaw, Poland.

Ryosuke Kiyasu is a respected heavy metal and jazz drummer in Japan who takes on a different style in his solo drum shows -—playing a snare drum with his teeth, kicking the drum around the room and often destroying furniture, among other things. He spends six months on the road and sells out small venues all over the world. Jamie Fullerton caught up with the drummer in Warsaw, Poland.

Famed Japanese drummer big outside of Japan

Coaches, players and fans see a parallel to the rise of youth soccer in the United States a few decades ago. There's now Major League Cricket in six US cities, and youth leagues are on the rise. Liz Neisloss reports from GBH in Boston.

Coaches, players and fans see a parallel to the rise of youth soccer in the United States a few decades ago. There's now Major League Cricket in six US cities, and youth leagues are on the rise. Liz Neisloss reports from GBH in Boston.

Cricket is rising in popularity. Will it be the next big sport for US kids?

The tiny landlocked South American country of Paraguay is one of the top soy producers on the planet. Soy is the country’s top export, and it accounts for a major chunk of the country’s gross domestic product. But the soy explosion has wreaked havoc on Paraguay's ecosystem and been a disaster for many small farmers, whose farms have been inundated with pesticides from neighboring soy plantations. Mike Fox reports from the Paraguyan state of Alto Parana.

The tiny landlocked South American country of Paraguay is one of the top soy producers on the planet. Soy is the country’s top export, and it accounts for a major chunk of the country’s gross domestic product. But the soy explosion has wreaked havoc on Paraguay's ecosystem and been a disaster for many small farmers, whose farms have been inundated with pesticides from neighboring soy plantations. Mike Fox reports from the Paraguyan state of Alto Parana.

Paraguay's soy bonanza leaves small farmers in the cold

Several regions of the world are experiencing severe flooding. The African countries of Nigeria, Mali and Chad are coping with massive displacement as a result of flooding there. And in Europe, the current downpours are being called “historic” and “unprecedented.” Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler check in with people on the ground in each region to get the latest on shared struggles, as well as how the crises are playing out differently. Olasunkanmi Okunola is a Nigerian scientist who focuses on flood risks and climate adaptation; he explains the flooding and displacement in Africa. And Andreas von Weissenberg is The International Federation of Red Cross’s Head of Health, Disasters, Climate and Crises in Europe. He’s been monitoring the situation there from Budapest.

Several regions of the world are experiencing severe flooding. The African countries of Nigeria, Mali and Chad are coping with massive displacement as a result of flooding there. And in Europe, the current downpours are being called “historic” and “unprecedented.” Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler check in with people on the ground in each region to get the latest on shared struggles, as well as how the crises are playing out differently. Olasunkanmi Okunola is a Nigerian scientist who focuses on flood risks and climate adaptation; he explains the flooding and displacement in Africa. And Andreas von Weissenberg is The International Federation of Red Cross’s Head of Health, Disasters, Climate and Crises in Europe. He’s been monitoring the situation there from Budapest.

Climate change drives flooding and displacement on multiple continents

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous enclave located in the South Caucasus. For decades, the territory has been the source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, however, ethnic Armenians have been living in this territory for hundreds of years. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on how the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is still shaping the fraught relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan today.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous enclave located in the South Caucasus. For decades, the territory has been the source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, however, ethnic Armenians have been living in this territory for hundreds of years. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on how the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is still shaping the fraught relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan today.

A short history of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

In the Canadian Province of British Columbia, a new intervention measure will force people with concurrent mental health issues and drug addiction to receive treatment. In a recent press conference, the premier of British Columbia David Eby said this expansion of involuntary care is as much a public safety precaution as it is a public health measure. Host Marco Werman speaks with Andrea Woo, who covers health for the Globe and Mail, in Vancouver.

In the Canadian Province of British Columbia, a new intervention measure will force people with concurrent mental health issues and drug addiction to receive treatment. In a recent press conference, the premier of British Columbia David Eby said this expansion of involuntary care is as much a public safety precaution as it is a public health measure. Host Marco Werman speaks with Andrea Woo, who covers health for the Globe and Mail, in Vancouver.

British Columbia imposes mandatory treatment for people coping with mental illness coupled with drug addiction

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler review a mix of Canadian news stories that don't quite make the headlines.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler review a mix of Canadian news stories that don't quite make the headlines.

News you might've missed

Across Lebanon and reportedly in Syria, Hezbollah operatives have been gravely injured and killed when their pagers exploded. It bears the hallmarks of a coordinated attack and is a major strike against Hezbollah. Hannah McCarthy is a foreign correspondent in Beirut, who explains the latest on what's happened as tensions in the Middle East climb to a new level.

Across Lebanon and reportedly in Syria, Hezbollah operatives have been gravely injured and killed when their pagers exploded. It bears the hallmarks of a coordinated attack and is a major strike against Hezbollah. Hannah McCarthy is a foreign correspondent in Beirut, who explains the latest on what's happened as tensions in the Middle East climb to a new level.

Pagers carried by Hezbollah operatives explode

The Pantanal region in Brazil is the world's largest tropical wetlands and one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. It's home to more than 4,700 species of plants and animals, including jaguars, capybaras — the world's largest rodent — striking cobalt-blue Hyacinth Macaws and anteaters. Many of these iconic species burned or had their habitat destroyed in this year's record-setting wildfires. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with wildlife biologist Jorge Gallo about the impact the fires are having on wildlife, and visits an animal clinic in Campo Grande, Brazil, to see how veterinarians are treating an injured anteater.

The Pantanal region in Brazil is the world's largest tropical wetlands and one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. It's home to more than 4,700 species of plants and animals, including jaguars, capybaras — the world's largest rodent — striking cobalt-blue Hyacinth Macaws and anteaters. Many of these iconic species burned or had their habitat destroyed in this year's record-setting wildfires. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with wildlife biologist Jorge Gallo about the impact the fires are having on wildlife, and visits an animal clinic in Campo Grande, Brazil, to see how veterinarians are treating an injured anteater.

Wildlife decimated by fires in Brazil's Pantanal

Africa has the youngest population of people across the globe. By 2050, Africans will make up a quarter of the world's population. So for most people, dementia and Alzheimer's are far from their minds. But experts are warning that's a mistake. As people in African countries live longer, the burden of cognitive diseases is expected to skyrocket. Most of Africa is not prepared. The World's Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi, Kenya.

Africa has the youngest population of people across the globe. By 2050, Africans will make up a quarter of the world's population. So for most people, dementia and Alzheimer's are far from their minds. But experts are warning that's a mistake. As people in African countries live longer, the burden of cognitive diseases is expected to skyrocket. Most of Africa is not prepared. The World's Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi, Kenya.

Dementia in Africa, a looming disaster

Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, better known as Mafer Bandola, is a master musician from Venezuela who arrived in New York City in 2017. Just a few years later, many other migrants from Venezuela followed, as part of a massive migration from the country to the United States, and cities in the US like New York. As part of our series from the podcast <a href="https://www.meklitmusic.com/movement">Movement</a>, about migration and music, Meklit Hadero talks to Bandola about how she developed community and has helped her fellow Venezuelans.

Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, better known as Mafer Bandola, is a master musician from Venezuela who arrived in New York City in 2017. Just a few years later, many other migrants from Venezuela followed, as part of a massive migration from the country to the United States, and cities in the US like New York. As part of our series from the podcast Movement, about migration and music, Meklit Hadero talks to Bandola about how she developed community and has helped her fellow Venezuelans.

Venezuelan musician builds community in NYC

Women, activists and human rights advocates in Iraq say they are worried about a set of changes that the parliament is considering to family law. The new proposal would give religious authorities more power over marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Women, activists and human rights advocates in Iraq say they are worried about a set of changes that the parliament is considering to family law. The new proposal would give religious authorities more power over marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Iraqi women are worried about proposed changes to family law

The series “Shogun” has been a shocking success. The show, already popular with audiences, has now won a record-breaking number of Emmy's. It's also unique as the main characters speak in Japanese the majority of the time, depicting feudal Japan at the turn of the 17th century. Host Marco Werman speaks with Morgan Pitelka about the authenticity of the history presented in the series.

The series “Shogun” has been a shocking success. The show, already popular with audiences, has now won a record-breaking number of Emmy's. It's also unique as the main characters speak in Japanese the majority of the time, depicting feudal Japan at the turn of the 17th century. Host Marco Werman speaks with Morgan Pitelka about the authenticity of the history presented in the series.

'Shogun' TV series wins 18 Emmys

The results of New Zealand's annual poll to crown its bird of the year are in. The winner is a rare penguin called the hoiho, Maori for "noise shouter." Host Marco Werman explains why conservationists are glad the bird is getting the spotlight.

The results of New Zealand's annual poll to crown its bird of the year are in. The winner is a rare penguin called the hoiho, Maori for "noise shouter." Host Marco Werman explains why conservationists are glad the bird is getting the spotlight.

New Zealand selects bird of the year

Record-setting wildfires are raging in Brazil's Pantanal region. In a densely vegetated rural area the size of England, it can be hard for firefighters to find and reach the blazes to combat them. That's why one nonprofit is training local fighters to use drones to pinpoint the exact location and size of fires, and scope out roads to reach them. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the area.

Record-setting wildfires are raging in Brazil's Pantanal region. In a densely vegetated rural area the size of England, it can be hard for firefighters to find and reach the blazes to combat them. That's why one nonprofit is training local fighters to use drones to pinpoint the exact location and size of fires, and scope out roads to reach them. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the area.

Firefighters test out new tool as Brazil's Pantanal wetlands burn

A top Venezuelan official claims that the CIA has been plotting to overthrow the government. Six people, including three Americans, have been arrested. The US State Department denies the accusations. Host Marco Werman has the details.

A top Venezuelan official claims that the CIA has been plotting to overthrow the government. Six people, including three Americans, have been arrested. The US State Department denies the accusations. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Venezuela accuses US of attempted coup

More details are emerging about the background of the man allegedly involved in the second attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump. One particular aspect of the would-be shooter's history that stands out: His obsession with Ukraine's fight against Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ken Gray, a retired FBI agent. He is a distinguished lecturer at the University of New Haven.

More details are emerging about the background of the man allegedly involved in the second attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump. One particular aspect of the would-be shooter's history that stands out: His obsession with Ukraine's fight against Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ken Gray, a retired FBI agent. He is a distinguished lecturer at the University of New Haven.

Questions over motivation of alleged Trump assassin

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waived the human rights requirements on $94 million of military aid slated for Egypt. As Mohamad Elmasry, a political analyst and professor at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies in Qatar explains, Egypt's human rights record is "abysmal," but the relationship is too valuable to jeopardize.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waived the human rights requirements on $94 million of military aid slated for Egypt. As Mohamad Elmasry, a political analyst and professor at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies in Qatar explains, Egypt's human rights record is "abysmal," but the relationship is too valuable to jeopardize.

Egypt to receive US military aid that was contingent on human rights improvement

Brazil's wetlands region called the Pantanal cover an area roughly the size of England. Although this region is typically flooded for much of the year, historic droughts have led to historic wildfires, destroying large swaths of vegetation and wildlife. Scientists say these kinds of fires in this region will now be four to five times more likely because of climate change. The World's host Carolyn Beeler is in Brazil's Pantanal, and reports on the impacts of the wildfires on people in this region.

Brazil's wetlands region called the Pantanal cover an area roughly the size of England. Although this region is typically flooded for much of the year, historic droughts have led to historic wildfires, destroying large swaths of vegetation and wildlife. Scientists say these kinds of fires in this region will now be four to five times more likely because of climate change. The World's host Carolyn Beeler is in Brazil's Pantanal, and reports on the impacts of the wildfires on people in this region.

Wildfires blazing in Brazil's Pantanal becoming more likely because of climate change

The EU-Tunisia migration deal was signed last year but could potentially be at risk. The deal provided financial support to Tunisia's government in exchange for keeping migrants from reaching the EU. Now, a newly leaked report by the EU says there are major concerns about the human rights situation in Tunisia. Host Carol Hill speaks with Mohamed-Diaa Hamammi, a Tunisian PhD student at Syracuse University, about the democratic backsliding under President Kais Saied's government in Tunisia.

The EU-Tunisia migration deal was signed last year but could potentially be at risk. The deal provided financial support to Tunisia's government in exchange for keeping migrants from reaching the EU. Now, a newly leaked report by the EU says there are major concerns about the human rights situation in Tunisia. Host Carol Hill speaks with Mohamed-Diaa Hamammi, a Tunisian PhD student at Syracuse University, about the democratic backsliding under President Kais Saied's government in Tunisia.

EU concerned about Tunisia human rights

The North Korean government released photos from inside a uranium enrichment facility that shows a much more sophisticated nuclear program than experts might have expected. The photo offers clues about the program's current state. Jenny Town, the director of the Stimson Center's North Korea project, called 38 North, tells The World's Carol Hills what she sees in the photos.

The North Korean government released photos from inside a uranium enrichment facility that shows a much more sophisticated nuclear program than experts might have expected. The photo offers clues about the program's current state. Jenny Town, the director of the Stimson Center's North Korea project, called 38 North, tells The World's Carol Hills what she sees in the photos.

North Korean photos offer rare look inside nuclear program

On Friday in South Africa, an education bill to improve aspects of the country’s schools was signed into law — but not without controversy. Under pressure from coalition partners, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to suspend two particular clauses at the center of contention. But as Johannesburg-based journalist Nomsa Maseko tells The World's Carol Hills, the divides run along racial and linguistic lines that have roots in South Africa's apartheid past.

On Friday in South Africa, an education bill to improve aspects of the country’s schools was signed into law — but not without controversy. Under pressure from coalition partners, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to suspend two particular clauses at the center of contention. But as Johannesburg-based journalist Nomsa Maseko tells The World's Carol Hills, the divides run along racial and linguistic lines that have roots in South Africa's apartheid past.

Language and admissions policies the focus of education reform in South Africa

Across Spain's Barcelona province, children are getting to school in organized convoys of bikes, dubbed bicibús or "bicycle-bus." As with traditional bus lines, each bicibús route has stops where other cycling students can join along the way. Parents, teachers and other volunteer adults ride, too, to ensure the kids’ safety. Gerry Hadden reported from Barcelona on the joys of this climate-friendly trend in 2022.

Across Spain's Barcelona province, children are getting to school in organized convoys of bikes, dubbed bicibús or "bicycle-bus." As with traditional bus lines, each bicibús route has stops where other cycling students can join along the way. Parents, teachers and other volunteer adults ride, too, to ensure the kids’ safety. Gerry Hadden reported from Barcelona on the joys of this climate-friendly trend in 2022.

Barcelona children find safety in numbers as they bike to school in herds

Indigenous leaders in Brazil are celebrating after a Danish museum returned a sacred cloak. It has been on display in Denmark for more than 300 years. The nearly 6-foot-long cloak is made of 4,000 red feathers from the scarlet ibis bird. Host Carol Hills has the details.

Indigenous leaders in Brazil are celebrating after a Danish museum returned a sacred cloak. It has been on display in Denmark for more than 300 years. The nearly 6-foot-long cloak is made of 4,000 red feathers from the scarlet ibis bird. Host Carol Hills has the details.

Denmark returns sacred cloak to Brazil

On Sept. 10, 2023, Storm Daniel hit Derna, a small coastal city in eastern Libya. The deluge led to the collapse of two aging upstream dams, unleashing a 65-foot wall of water on the city. At least 6,000 people died, and thousands remain missing. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

On Sept. 10, 2023, Storm Daniel hit Derna, a small coastal city in eastern Libya. The deluge led to the collapse of two aging upstream dams, unleashing a 65-foot wall of water on the city. At least 6,000 people died, and thousands remain missing. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Survivors in Derna, Libya, mark 1 year after disastrous dam collapse

Like other countries in southern Africa, Namibia is experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent memory. More than a million people are at risk of experiencing acute hunger and farmers and herders are being pushed further and further away in search of water. In response, Namibia's government has chosen a controversial strategy: culling hundreds of wildlife including elephants and hippos. The World's Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports.

Like other countries in southern Africa, Namibia is experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent memory. More than a million people are at risk of experiencing acute hunger and farmers and herders are being pushed further and further away in search of water. In response, Namibia's government has chosen a controversial strategy: culling hundreds of wildlife including elephants and hippos. The World's Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports.

Namibia culls wildlife for drought relief efforts

"Mountains" is new independent film by Miami-based director Monica Sorelle, that's currently playing in selected theaters across the United States. The story revolves around a Haitian demolition worker who begins to realize that his job knocking down homes is aiding in the dismantling of his rapidly gentrifying Miami neighborhood of Little Haiti. Marco Werman speaks with the star of the film: Atibon Nazaire.

"Mountains" is new independent film by Miami-based director Monica Sorelle, that's currently playing in selected theaters across the United States. The story revolves around a Haitian demolition worker who begins to realize that his job knocking down homes is aiding in the dismantling of his rapidly gentrifying Miami neighborhood of Little Haiti. Marco Werman speaks with the star of the film: Atibon Nazaire.

New film tells of gentrification in Miami's Little Haiti 

An influential pastor in the Philippines was just arrested after a two-week standoff between police and his supporters. Apollo Quiboloy is the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the southern Philippines. He also describes himself as the "Appointed Son of God." Quiboloy faces charges of child sex trafficking in both the Philippines and the US. The World's Matthew Bell has the story.

An influential pastor in the Philippines was just arrested after a two-week standoff between police and his supporters. Apollo Quiboloy is the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the southern Philippines. He also describes himself as the "Appointed Son of God." Quiboloy faces charges of child sex trafficking in both the Philippines and the US. The World's Matthew Bell has the story.

He's the 'son of God.' But now he's facing serious criminal charges

Lael Wilcox left downtown Chicago in May with one goal: to become the fastest woman to ever circumnavigate the world on a bike. Now, 108 days later, she's not only accomplished her goal but she smashed the previous record. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Lael Wilcox left downtown Chicago in May with one goal: to become the fastest woman to ever circumnavigate the world on a bike. Now, 108 days later, she's not only accomplished her goal but she smashed the previous record. Host Marco Werman has the details.