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.

According World Athletics — the global governing body for track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A new policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene is being implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships, starting tomorrow in Tokyo. Supporters say the new policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. This is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

According World Athletics — the global governing body for track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A new policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene is being implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships, starting tomorrow in Tokyo. Supporters say the new policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. This is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New track and field sex-testing requirements revive longtime controversy in women's sports

Beginning today, Russia and Belarus are holding military drills they call "Zapad," meaning "West." These drills are nothing new, but the last time they happened, in 2022, Moscow sent troops into Ukraine. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus. As DW’s Lisa Louis reports  from the Lithuanian border, tensions are running high in all three countries once again.

Beginning today, Russia and Belarus are holding military drills they call "Zapad," meaning "West." These drills are nothing new, but the last time they happened, in 2022, Moscow sent troops into Ukraine. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus. As DW’s Lisa Louis reports  from the Lithuanian border, tensions are running high in all three countries once again.

Fear and loathing on the Lithuanian border

It's been the worst forest fire season in Spain's history. But in the center of the country stands Europe's largest pine forest, unscathed. At first glance, it's hard to understand why the 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) around Burgos haven't gone up in flames. It's hot and dry there too, with no rain. The answer: The Draw of Pines, an ancient system of local forest stewardship. Now, that tradition the risk of irrelevance, as society changes. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Soria, Spain.

It's been the worst forest fire season in Spain's history. But in the center of the country stands Europe's largest pine forest, unscathed. At first glance, it's hard to understand why the 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) around Burgos haven't gone up in flames. It's hot and dry there too, with no rain. The answer: The Draw of Pines, an ancient system of local forest stewardship. Now, that tradition the risk of irrelevance, as society changes. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Soria, Spain.

An ancient tradition saved a Spanish forest. Now the tradition needs saving.

We've been keeping an eye on British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka since 2012, when he released his debut album, "Home Again." He's now out with his fourth record, "Small Changes." Host Carolyn Beeler brings us a listen, while sharing a little bit of Kiwanuka's background growing up as a child of Ugandan parents living in exile.

We've been keeping an eye on British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka since 2012, when he released his debut album, "Home Again." He's now out with his fourth record, "Small Changes." Host Carolyn Beeler brings us a listen, while sharing a little bit of Kiwanuka's background growing up as a child of Ugandan parents living in exile.

British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka's new album: 'Small Changes'

Tube operators are back to work today after a five-day strike over pay and hours for the city's subway system. The stoppage caused mayhem on London's streets, with thousands of people opting to rent e-bikes to get to work. But the dramatic influx of traffic overwhelmed bike lanes, and brought busy streets to a standstill.

Tube operators are back to work today after a five-day strike over pay and hours for the city's subway system. The stoppage caused mayhem on London's streets, with thousands of people opting to rent e-bikes to get to work. But the dramatic influx of traffic overwhelmed bike lanes, and brought busy streets to a standstill.

Tube strike causes rush hour chaos in London

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has just introduced a new member of his cabinet: Diella, an AI-powered chatbot. Rama has hailed it as the world's first AI-generated minister, claiming that getting humans out of the picture might help fix corruption. Amy Kokalari researches digitalization and AI in the Western Balkans. She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from the Albanian capital Tirana.

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has just introduced a new member of his cabinet: Diella, an AI-powered chatbot. Rama has hailed it as the world's first AI-generated minister, claiming that getting humans out of the picture might help fix corruption. Amy Kokalari researches digitalization and AI in the Western Balkans. She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from the Albanian capital Tirana.

Albania rolls out world's first AI-powered government minister

Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. It’s the first time a Brazilian president has been criminally convicted for trying to subvert democracy. The ruling has divided the country and raised tensions with the United States. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on what the verdict means for Brazilians.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. It’s the first time a Brazilian president has been criminally convicted for trying to subvert democracy. The ruling has divided the country and raised tensions with the United States. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on what the verdict means for Brazilians.

Bolsonaro convicted and sentenced to prison in landmark ruling

Underwater recordings made more than 50 years ago captured the sounds produced by humpback whales, for communication. But the mechanism by which they vocalize has only recently been researched and understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Magnus Wahlberg, of the Southern University of Denmark. He is part of the research team that figured out how the whales make their songs.This story originally aired on Feb. 22, 2024.

Underwater recordings made more than 50 years ago captured the sounds produced by humpback whales, for communication. But the mechanism by which they vocalize has only recently been researched and understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Magnus Wahlberg, of the Southern University of Denmark. He is part of the research team that figured out how the whales make their songs.
This story originally aired on Feb. 22, 2024.

How the humpback whale makes its song

Tokyo’s trains are known for three things: They’re punctual. They’re packed. And they’re quiet. But for the next month, the quiet of one of the city’s subway lines will be shattered, and it will be known for something — or, rather, someone — entirely different: Ed Sheeran. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

Tokyo’s trains are known for three things: They’re punctual. They’re packed. And they’re quiet. But for the next month, the quiet of one of the city’s subway lines will be shattered, and it will be known for something — or, rather, someone — entirely different: Ed Sheeran. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

Ed Sheeran plans a Tokyo subway takeover

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us two stories of animals making mischief.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us two stories of animals making mischief.

What does a moose in Austria and bees in Canada have in common?

Researchers working in Canada have trialed technology to thicken Arctic sea ice. They pump seawater out from under the ice, then let that water freeze into a layer up top. That extra thickness slows down the melting process in the summer. As part of our Big Fix series, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrea Ceccolini, CEO of Real Ice, about whether his company's climate solution is effective and scalable.

Researchers working in Canada have trialed technology to thicken Arctic sea ice. They pump seawater out from under the ice, then let that water freeze into a layer up top. That extra thickness slows down the melting process in the summer. As part of our Big Fix series, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrea Ceccolini, CEO of Real Ice, about whether his company's climate solution is effective and scalable.

To keep Arctic sea ice from disappearing, make it thicker

Last week, a government commission in Peru voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. Peru is among the countries with the most uncontacted tribes. Activists warn that similar protection plans could be on the chopping block in the future. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to John Reid, who has co-authored a series about uncontacted and isolated tribes, co-published by The Guardian and Brazilian newspaper O Globo. He’s an environmental economist and joins the show from Occidental, California.

Last week, a government commission in Peru voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. Peru is among the countries with the most uncontacted tribes. Activists warn that similar protection plans could be on the chopping block in the future. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to John Reid, who has co-authored a series about uncontacted and isolated tribes, co-published by The Guardian and Brazilian newspaper O Globo. He’s an environmental economist and joins the show from Occidental, California.

Plans to protect isolated peoples in Peru now in peril

Negros Tou Moria, or Black Morris, as he’s known in English, is from Athens, Greece. He mixes trap beats with traditional Greek folk-music. Black Morris is not a Greek citizen, though, even though he was born there. His parents are immigrants from Ghana, and Greece does not have birthright citizenship. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us the story.

Negros Tou Moria, or Black Morris, as he’s known in English, is from Athens, Greece. He mixes trap beats with traditional Greek folk-music. Black Morris is not a Greek citizen, though, even though he was born there. His parents are immigrants from Ghana, and Greece does not have birthright citizenship. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us the story.

Rapper calls out Greece's lack of birthright citizenship as 'racist'

In jungles along the Thai-Myanmar border, people from all over the world are trying to make quick money running online scams. Some people know what they're getting into, but others are duped into thinking they're applying for real jobs. Once they're in one of these nefarious cities, it's very hard to get out. Which is why one man has tried to intercept scammers before their victims go into these places. Patrick Winn reports.

In jungles along the Thai-Myanmar border, people from all over the world are trying to make quick money running online scams. Some people know what they're getting into, but others are duped into thinking they're applying for real jobs. Once they're in one of these nefarious cities, it's very hard to get out. Which is why one man has tried to intercept scammers before their victims go into these places. Patrick Winn reports.

In Myanmar, people escape criminal enclaves, one TikTok at a time

The Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) was founded in the US in 1950. It has since spread to nearly 40 countries and gained more than 6,000 members worldwide. This year, the group is holding its annual international rally in Maine. The World's Bianca Hillier stopped by to find out what motorcycling means to these bikers.

The Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) was founded in the US in 1950. It has since spread to nearly 40 countries and gained more than 6,000 members worldwide. This year, the group is holding its annual international rally in Maine. The World's Bianca Hillier stopped by to find out what motorcycling means to these bikers.

Women's International Motorcycle Association celebrates 75 years on the open road

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It was a talking point that started early in his presidency, reigniting passions in Greenland on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Then-Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said at a press conference earlier this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” After the dust settled, The World's Carolyn Beeler went to Greenland's capital Nuuk to see how the movement had evolved, and she found a major division, not in whether to become independent, but how fast, and if the island is ready.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It was a talking point that started early in his presidency, reigniting passions in Greenland on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Then-Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said at a press conference earlier this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” After the dust settled, The World's Carolyn Beeler went to Greenland's capital Nuuk to see how the movement had evolved, and she found a major division, not in whether to become independent, but how fast, and if the island is ready.

Greenland's independence movement: slow and steady, or fast and furious?

Last night, more than a dozen Russian drones flew into Poland’s airspace and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation — including from Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said the country was now "closer to conflict than at any time since World War II" — the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Philip Bednarczyk, head of The German Marshall Fund’s Warsaw Office.

Last night, more than a dozen Russian drones flew into Poland’s airspace and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation — including from Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said the country was now "closer to conflict than at any time since World War II" — the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Philip Bednarczyk, head of The German Marshall Fund’s Warsaw Office.

NATO condemns Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us three other big stories happening around the world today.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us three other big stories happening around the world today.

Divers remove 'ghost gear' the size of a soccer field from marine-protected area in Mexico

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.

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.

Patrick Bebey remembers his dad's musical legacy

Havana was once an outpost for the American mafia — a playground where organized crime families bought off local officials, raked in cash from drugs and gambling, and generally did as they pleased. Today, Chinese crime syndicates have set up their pseudo-colonies in parts Myanmar and are as big as small cities, housing casinos, brothels and, most-notoriously, scam compounds. Patrick Winn reports.

Havana was once an outpost for the American mafia — a playground where organized crime families bought off local officials, raked in cash from drugs and gambling, and generally did as they pleased. Today, Chinese crime syndicates have set up their pseudo-colonies in parts Myanmar and are as big as small cities, housing casinos, brothels and, most-notoriously, scam compounds. Patrick Winn reports.

Crime runs rampant in new Myanmar cities

On two sides of the border bridge linking Calais (Callous), Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, residents are seething. Free trade between the two towns has been going on for decades. But that's up in the air with the new tariffs levied by the Trump administration. Despite the frustrations, both towns have agreed to put aside their country's disagreements and to "hug it out." Ari Snider reports from Maine.

On two sides of the border bridge linking Calais (Callous), Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, residents are seething. Free trade between the two towns has been going on for decades. But that's up in the air with the new tariffs levied by the Trump administration. Despite the frustrations, both towns have agreed to put aside their country's disagreements and to "hug it out." Ari Snider reports from Maine.

US and Canadian towns 'hug it out'

Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming for many new parents. Babies don't come with a manual, and the lack of sleep doesn't help. Home-Start UK offers help by sending trained volunteers into the homes of new families for whatever support they need. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.This story originally aired on Feb. 13, 2023.

Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming for many new parents. Babies don't come with a manual, and the lack of sleep doesn't help. Home-Start UK offers help by sending trained volunteers into the homes of new families for whatever support they need. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.
This story originally aired on Feb. 13, 2023.

UK organization seeks to normalize new parents asking for help

In the months following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the US government established a special military prison for "illegal enemy combatants" at Guantanamo Bay, in Cuba. Since then, hundreds of terrorism suspects have been held in detention there. Former President Barack Obama — and, after him, President Joe Biden — pledged to close the facility. But that never happened. During his first term, President Donald Trump signed an order to keep the military prison open indefinitely. Host Marco Werman speaks with Carol Rosenberg of the New York Times from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, about where things stand now.

In the months following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the US government established a special military prison for "illegal enemy combatants" at Guantanamo Bay, in Cuba. Since then, hundreds of terrorism suspects have been held in detention there. Former President Barack Obama — and, after him, President Joe Biden — pledged to close the facility. But that never happened. During his first term, President Donald Trump signed an order to keep the military prison open indefinitely. Host Marco Werman speaks with Carol Rosenberg of the New York Times from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, about where things stand now.

Opened after the 9/11 attacks, the prison at Guantanamo is still up and running

Warda Al-Jazairia was fondly known as "The Algerian Rose," with many fans simply calling her Warda. She was a a household name throughout the Arab world with a long, successful career. Now, a vinyl reissue of a concert she gave in 1975 is giving us the chance to look back at her success. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Warda Al-Jazairia was fondly known as "The Algerian Rose," with many fans simply calling her Warda. She was a a household name throughout the Arab world with a long, successful career. Now, a vinyl reissue of a concert she gave in 1975 is giving us the chance to look back at her success. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A vinyl reissue from 'The Algerian Rose'

The United States is one of the biggest importers of shrimp from India. Now that the Trump administration's whopping 50% tariff on Indian goods coming into the US has gone into effect, shrimp farmers in India are among those bracing for a hit. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, India could now lose its place as the top exporter of shrimp to the US.

The United States is one of the biggest importers of shrimp from India. Now that the Trump administration's whopping 50% tariff on Indian goods coming into the US has gone into effect, shrimp farmers in India are among those bracing for a hit. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, India could now lose its place as the top exporter of shrimp to the US.

Shrimp just got more expensive in the US

Israel today attacked an apartment in Doha, Qatar, where the top leaders of Hamas were meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal. Israel quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, and said it had notified the Trump administration ahead of the strikes, which the White House called an “unfortunate incident” that did not advance peace in the region. The World's Shirin Jaafari spoke with Host Marco Werman.

Israel today attacked an apartment in Doha, Qatar, where the top leaders of Hamas were meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal. Israel quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, and said it had notified the Trump administration ahead of the strikes, which the White House called an “unfortunate incident” that did not advance peace in the region. The World's Shirin Jaafari spoke with Host Marco Werman.

Israel attempts to assassinate Hamas leadership in Doha apartment

The detention of more than 300 South Korean nationals at a car battery plant near Savannah, Georgia, last week came as a complete surprise to many in South Korea. The workers were rounded up at a factory owned by the Hyundai Motor Company, one of the biggest conglomerates in South Korea. President Lee Jae-myung said he hopes this sort of thing never happens again. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

The detention of more than 300 South Korean nationals at a car battery plant near Savannah, Georgia, last week came as a complete surprise to many in South Korea. The workers were rounded up at a factory owned by the Hyundai Motor Company, one of the biggest conglomerates in South Korea. President Lee Jae-myung said he hopes this sort of thing never happens again. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Ice raid in Georgia sparks anger, frustration in South Korea

The import of solar power technology from China to Africa has surged over the past year. Yet the continent still only produces about 1% of the world's total renewable output, despite being home to vast amounts of renewable resources. This is the backdrop of this week's Africa Climate Summit, ongoing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where national leaders are calling for more global investment. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Abay Yimere, a scholar of climate action in Africa and an advisor for the summit, about the state of renewable progress in African countries.

The import of solar power technology from China to Africa has surged over the past year. Yet the continent still only produces about 1% of the world's total renewable output, despite being home to vast amounts of renewable resources. This is the backdrop of this week's Africa Climate Summit, ongoing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where national leaders are calling for more global investment. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Abay Yimere, a scholar of climate action in Africa and an advisor for the summit, about the state of renewable progress in African countries.

Africa Climate Summit targets investment and expansion of renewable energy

In the mountains of northern Mexico, hidden fentanyl and methamphetamine labs are leaving behind something just as dangerous as the drug itself — chemical waste dumped into rivers, forests and farmland. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Sinaloa about the environmental cost of synthetic drug production.

In the mountains of northern Mexico, hidden fentanyl and methamphetamine labs are leaving behind something just as dangerous as the drug itself — chemical waste dumped into rivers, forests and farmland. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Sinaloa about the environmental cost of synthetic drug production.