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.

Vietnam is in a state of mourning today with flags at half-mast. The ruling Communist Party is holding a funeral for Nguyen Phu Trong, the country's leader until he died last week at 80 years old. Foreign diplomats are in the capital Hanoi — including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken — both to pay respects and also to secure some face time with Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, a man known for ruthlessly neutralizing his rivals. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Vietnam is in a state of mourning today with flags at half-mast. The ruling Communist Party is holding a funeral for Nguyen Phu Trong, the country's leader until he died last week at 80 years old. Foreign diplomats are in the capital Hanoi — including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken — both to pay respects and also to secure some face time with Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, a man known for ruthlessly neutralizing his rivals. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Vietnam's hard-nosed new leader

Top US intelligence officials say Russia, China and Iran are targeting voters in the US, with disinformation and propaganda related to the upcoming presidential election. US officials who track disinformation campaigns say the number of warnings they have issued to political candidates, government leaders and others has spiked in recent months. Host Marco Werman speaks with McKenzie Sadeghi, the AI and foreign influence editor at NewsGuard, a company that tracks and rates the reliability of news sites.

Top US intelligence officials say Russia, China and Iran are targeting voters in the US, with disinformation and propaganda related to the upcoming presidential election. US officials who track disinformation campaigns say the number of warnings they have issued to political candidates, government leaders and others has spiked in recent months. Host Marco Werman speaks with McKenzie Sadeghi, the AI and foreign influence editor at NewsGuard, a company that tracks and rates the reliability of news sites.

Foreign actors stepping up propaganda ahead of US elections

Britain likes to call itself the birthplace of the modern railway, but for commuters in the UK, train travel is plagued by inconvenience and frustration. Old trains, crumbling infrastructure and plain, old bad weather cause regular delays and cancellations. The new Labour government believes it may have the answer. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Britain likes to call itself the birthplace of the modern railway, but for commuters in the UK, train travel is plagued by inconvenience and frustration. Old trains, crumbling infrastructure and plain, old bad weather cause regular delays and cancellations. The new Labour government believes it may have the answer. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

British government seeks to fix troubled railways by nationalizing them

The detention of nine Israeli soldiers, under investigation for the alleged abuse of a Palestinian inmate, has laid bare the polarized state of Israeli society. The inquiry has angered far-right lawmakers and protesters who broke into a detention facility on Monday. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about the political rift this exposes.

The detention of nine Israeli soldiers, under investigation for the alleged abuse of a Palestinian inmate, has laid bare the polarized state of Israeli society. The inquiry has angered far-right lawmakers and protesters who broke into a detention facility on Monday. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about the political rift this exposes.

Far-right response to allegations against Israeli soldiers speaks to deep divisions

Olympian Beiwen Zhang went pro in badminton at age 13, leaving her home country of China for Singapore to pursue the sport. She struggled with the pressure of competitive athletics, though. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story of how she bounced back, not just from intense stress, but also from what many believed would be a career-ending injury.

Olympian Beiwen Zhang went pro in badminton at age 13, leaving her home country of China for Singapore to pursue the sport. She struggled with the pressure of competitive athletics, though. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story of how she bounced back, not just from intense stress, but also from what many believed would be a career-ending injury.

Badminton star Beiwen Zhang is competing again, without the pressure

Venezuelans are out in the streets on Tuesday in many parts of the country, disputing the results of Sunday's presidential election. Longtime leader Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, but the opposition says it can prove its candidate actually got the most votes. The World's Tibisay Zea provides the latest updates from the ground in Caracas.

Venezuelans are out in the streets on Tuesday in many parts of the country, disputing the results of Sunday's presidential election. Longtime leader Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, but the opposition says it can prove its candidate actually got the most votes. The World's Tibisay Zea provides the latest updates from the ground in Caracas.

Unrest in the aftermath of Venezuela's presidential election

The Israeli army has confirmed that it struck a building in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday, while targeting a Hezbollah commander. Israel's defense minister has said Hezbollah "crossed a red line" by killing children on a soccer field over the weekend. The World's Shirin Jaafari has more.

The Israeli army has confirmed that it struck a building in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday, while targeting a Hezbollah commander. Israel's defense minister has said Hezbollah "crossed a red line" by killing children on a soccer field over the weekend. The World's Shirin Jaafari has more.

Israeli strike on Beirut confirmed

Across Europe, NATO countries are watching Ukraine closely. Their interest isn't just in the outcome of the war but in how the war is being fought, what tools are being used, and the role innovation is playing on the battlefield. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia.

Across Europe, NATO countries are watching Ukraine closely. Their interest isn't just in the outcome of the war but in how the war is being fought, what tools are being used, and the role innovation is playing on the battlefield. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia.

Baltics and NATO allies learn from war in Ukraine

In a 2022 album, the musical duo Charlotte &amp; Bolis tackled weighty subjects like colonialism, representation, xenophobia and political correctness — with playful dance tunes. Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul spoke to The World's collaborator Meklit Hadero, host of the Movement series, for a story that originally aired last summer.

In a 2022 album, the musical duo Charlotte & Bolis tackled weighty subjects like colonialism, representation, xenophobia and political correctness — with playful dance tunes. Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul spoke to The World's collaborator Meklit Hadero, host of the Movement series, for a story that originally aired last summer.

Belgian musicians take on tough conversations

Moving away from coal, oil and gas could leave countries liable for hundreds of billions of dollars in payouts to fossil fuel companies. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with reporter Katie Surma from Inside Climate News.

Moving away from coal, oil and gas could leave countries liable for hundreds of billions of dollars in payouts to fossil fuel companies. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with reporter Katie Surma from Inside Climate News.

Governments to pay to phase out fossil fuels

As the world was riveted by the sports at the Paris Olympics, French authorities arrested a left-wing activist for last week's arson attacks on the railways. On Monday, there were also reports of more sabotage — on telecommunications networks outside of Paris. Meanwhile, over the weekend, gymnastics, soccer and swimming were the top sports. The World's Bianca Hillier has been following the games.

As the world was riveted by the sports at the Paris Olympics, French authorities arrested a left-wing activist for last week's arson attacks on the railways. On Monday, there were also reports of more sabotage — on telecommunications networks outside of Paris. Meanwhile, over the weekend, gymnastics, soccer and swimming were the top sports. The World's Bianca Hillier has been following the games.

Paris Olympics begin

A recent study of the drug lenacapavir, to prevent HIV, has shown 100% effectiveness. It is an injection taken twice a year. Moupali Das is one of the lead researchers for the study, and explains how it works, and what it could mean for the fight against HIV and AIDS.

A recent study of the drug lenacapavir, to prevent HIV, has shown 100% effectiveness. It is an injection taken twice a year. Moupali Das is one of the lead researchers for the study, and explains how it works, and what it could mean for the fight against HIV and AIDS.

New breakthrough in HIV research offers promise

Authorities in Brazil will permit Amazon timber concessions to companies that follow strict rules. They cite studies showing illegal deforestation goes down when selective logging is permitted. Concessions would expand dramatically, allowing companies to harvest inside an area the size of Costa Rica over the next two years. The World’s Marco Werman gets more from Brazilian scientist Carlos Nobre, an expert on deforestation.

Authorities in Brazil will permit Amazon timber concessions to companies that follow strict rules. They cite studies showing illegal deforestation goes down when selective logging is permitted. Concessions would expand dramatically, allowing companies to harvest inside an area the size of Costa Rica over the next two years. The World’s Marco Werman gets more from Brazilian scientist Carlos Nobre, an expert on deforestation.

Brazil to allow selective logging in bid to save Amazon

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was recently in China, where he met with American college students in Shanghai and told them, “I think what you’re engaged in is so important to the future of both of our countries.” But the numbers of US students studying in China is way down compared to previous years. The pandemic is one reason why. But there are other pressures, some of them related to the tense diplomatic relationship between the US and China. The World's Matthew Bell reports

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was recently in China, where he met with American college students in Shanghai and told them, “I think what you’re engaged in is so important to the future of both of our countries.” But the numbers of US students studying in China is way down compared to previous years. The pandemic is one reason why. But there are other pressures, some of them related to the tense diplomatic relationship between the US and China. The World's Matthew Bell reports

Why aren't more American students going to China to study?

Officially the death toll in last year's Derna Dam disaster in Libya is 4,500 people. But many thousands more have been considered lost ever since. Now, a Libyan court has sentenced lower-level officials to prison time for mismanagement and corruption. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, about whether or not justice and accountability can be attained while Libya endures political fragmentation.

Officially the death toll in last year's Derna Dam disaster in Libya is 4,500 people. But many thousands more have been considered lost ever since. Now, a Libyan court has sentenced lower-level officials to prison time for mismanagement and corruption. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, about whether or not justice and accountability can be attained while Libya endures political fragmentation.

Libyan officials sentenced to prison in Derna dam case

A rocket from Lebanon killed 12 children and teens on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights on Saturday, drawing international attention to the region and also to the Druze people living there. The World's Shirin Jaafari explains how the Druze community fits into the fabric of Israel.

A rocket from Lebanon killed 12 children and teens on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights on Saturday, drawing international attention to the region and also to the Druze people living there. The World's Shirin Jaafari explains how the Druze community fits into the fabric of Israel.

The Druze community in Israel

In Kenya, anti-government demonstrations entered their seventh week. What began as protests against tax hikes has now grown into a call for the country’s president to resign. Even as William Ruto attempted to compromise, reports surfaced of protesters being killed or abducted, which generated even more demonstrations. It’s all stirring up dark memories of Kenya’s authoritarian past. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

In Kenya, anti-government demonstrations entered their seventh week. What began as protests against tax hikes has now grown into a call for the country’s president to resign. Even as William Ruto attempted to compromise, reports surfaced of protesters being killed or abducted, which generated even more demonstrations. It’s all stirring up dark memories of Kenya’s authoritarian past. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Abductions in Kenya

Venezuela's electoral authority, which is controlled by the government of Nicolás Maduro, declared the authoritarian socialist reelected for six more years, despite partial results and independent exit polling signaling the opposition had capturd twice as many votes. Venezuelan opposition leaders swiftly claimed the announced results are fraudulent, and promised to challenge them. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuela's electoral authority, which is controlled by the government of Nicolás Maduro, declared the authoritarian socialist reelected for six more years, despite partial results and independent exit polling signaling the opposition had capturd twice as many votes. Venezuelan opposition leaders swiftly claimed the announced results are fraudulent, and promised to challenge them. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuela's autocrat Nicolás Maduro declared winner in a disputed election

Last month, Germany marked Veterans Day for the first time in decades. Once seen as unthinkable because of the country's military history during World War II, Germany is now launching a campaign to boost morale, acceptance and enlistment. Reporter Rebecca Collard gets into the complexity of Germany's relationship with its army, the Bundeswehr.

Last month, Germany marked Veterans Day for the first time in decades. Once seen as unthinkable because of the country's military history during World War II, Germany is now launching a campaign to boost morale, acceptance and enlistment. Reporter Rebecca Collard gets into the complexity of Germany's relationship with its army, the Bundeswehr.

After decades on the low-down, Germany is campaigning for army recruits

This week, the International Olympic Committee created the Olympic Esports Games, to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. E-Games, or competitive video gaming, have become popular in Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom has hosted several tournaments in the past. Critics, meanwhile, question the IOC’s decision to hand the games over to Saudi Arabia, which has been under international scrutiny for its human rights abuses. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

This week, the International Olympic Committee created the Olympic Esports Games, to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. E-Games, or competitive video gaming, have become popular in Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom has hosted several tournaments in the past. Critics, meanwhile, question the IOC’s decision to hand the games over to Saudi Arabia, which has been under international scrutiny for its human rights abuses. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games next year

Joaquin Guzmán Lopez and Ismael Zambada, both leaders in the Sinaloa Cartel, were arrested by US authorities after they landed on a runaway in New Mexico. The story behind the arrest and why they flew to the United States is not clear, but the possibilities are intriguing. Steven Dudley, the co-founder and co-director of Insight Crime, gives the background on who these two men are, what is known about the arrests and why cartel drug trafficking is harder than ever for the authorities to disrupt.

Joaquin Guzmán Lopez and Ismael Zambada, both leaders in the Sinaloa Cartel, were arrested by US authorities after they landed on a runaway in New Mexico. The story behind the arrest and why they flew to the United States is not clear, but the possibilities are intriguing. Steven Dudley, the co-founder and co-director of Insight Crime, gives the background on who these two men are, what is known about the arrests and why cartel drug trafficking is harder than ever for the authorities to disrupt.

Two leading Mexican drug lords are arrested in the US

Canada's wildfire season is well underway and it has already sparked evacuations, destroyed homes and burned forests across Canada's national parks. The fire in Jasper National Park ended up causing major damage to the nearby town of Jasper. Residents and tourists alike were forced to flee. Host Marco Werman speaks with Joe Urie, a resident and owner of the Jasper Tour Company, about evacuating his town and what made it special prior to the fires.

Canada's wildfire season is well underway and it has already sparked evacuations, destroyed homes and burned forests across Canada's national parks. The fire in Jasper National Park ended up causing major damage to the nearby town of Jasper. Residents and tourists alike were forced to flee. Host Marco Werman speaks with Joe Urie, a resident and owner of the Jasper Tour Company, about evacuating his town and what made it special prior to the fires.

Canada wildfires raging across Alberta and British Columbia spark evacuations

Scribes in ancient Egypt suffered from repetitive stress injuries, according to a new study by Czech scientists published in the peer-reviewed journal "Scientific Reports." Host Marco Werman tells us how researchers examined the skeletons of royal scribes and discovered evidence of damage to the workers’ jaw, neck and shoulder regions, likely from the sitting and kneeling that came with the job.

Scribes in ancient Egypt suffered from repetitive stress injuries, according to a new study by Czech scientists published in the peer-reviewed journal "Scientific Reports." Host Marco Werman tells us how researchers examined the skeletons of royal scribes and discovered evidence of damage to the workers’ jaw, neck and shoulder regions, likely from the sitting and kneeling that came with the job.

Repetitive stress injuries at the office in ancient Egypt

The Olympics will go on in Paris, despite a massive sabotage campaign against France's rail system. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded, including in the capital, and the police are investigating the incidents as a crime. But the Olympics opening ceremony, held on boats floating down the Seine river, will not be interrupted. The World's host, Marco Werman, talks to correspondent Gerry Hadden, who has been covering the Olympics in Paris.

The Olympics will go on in Paris, despite a massive sabotage campaign against France's rail system. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded, including in the capital, and the police are investigating the incidents as a crime. But the Olympics opening ceremony, held on boats floating down the Seine river, will not be interrupted. The World's host, Marco Werman, talks to correspondent Gerry Hadden, who has been covering the Olympics in Paris.

Olympics officially opens in Paris

There’s a lot of tension and uncertainty in Venezuela, ahead of a crucial presidential election this weekend. The country’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, wants to secure another six years in power, but there’s a chance he will be defeated. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The World’s Tibisay Zea, who has been covering this election from Caracas.

There’s a lot of tension and uncertainty in Venezuela, ahead of a crucial presidential election this weekend. The country’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, wants to secure another six years in power, but there’s a chance he will be defeated. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The World’s Tibisay Zea, who has been covering this election from Caracas.

Can elections unseat an authoritarian president in Venezuela?

A Turkish family gang, the Sağlams, are in a police dragnet that exposes their kidnapping operation targeting Iranian dissidents. The ensuing police investigation reveals an entire network of conspirators behind the Sağlams. When one conspirator is arrested and interrogated, he confesses. Reporter Fariba Nawa uses the confession to tell the story of Iran's behind-the-scenes involvement.

A Turkish family gang, the Sağlams, are in a police dragnet that exposes their kidnapping operation targeting Iranian dissidents. The ensuing police investigation reveals an entire network of conspirators behind the Sağlams. When one conspirator is arrested and interrogated, he confesses. Reporter Fariba Nawa uses the confession to tell the story of Iran's behind-the-scenes involvement.

Lethal Dissent: Turkish gang targets Iranian dissidents

Brothers Henrik, Filip and Jakob Ingebrigtsen are famous track stars in Norway. But now, the brothers are adding a new and unexpected line to their resumes. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Brothers Henrik, Filip and Jakob Ingebrigtsen are famous track stars in Norway. But now, the brothers are adding a new and unexpected line to their resumes. Host Marco Werman has the details.

 Norwegian track stars turn into pop stars with new Olympics anthem

Venezuelans will head to the polls this weekend for a crucial presidential election. The country is governed by authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election. But he's not very popular. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela's economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left. The displacement has contributed to a migrant surge in the US. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuelans will head to the polls this weekend for a crucial presidential election. The country is governed by authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election. But he's not very popular. Under his 11-year rule, Venezuela's economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left. The displacement has contributed to a migrant surge in the US. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela.

As many as one-third of Venezuelans would consider leaving if Maduro retains power

Brazil is sending 277 athletes to the Paris Olympics this week. It's one of the largest delegations from Latin America. One of the biggest stars from Brazil is Rebeca Andrade, an athlete who has helped build enthusiasm for women's gymnastics across the country and the globe. Michael Fox has the story from southern Brazil.

Brazil is sending 277 athletes to the Paris Olympics this week. It's one of the largest delegations from Latin America. One of the biggest stars from Brazil is Rebeca Andrade, an athlete who has helped build enthusiasm for women's gymnastics across the country and the globe. Michael Fox has the story from southern Brazil.

Brazil’s Olympic delegation led by gymnast Rebeca Andrade  

During his speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called protesters gathered outside "useful idiots." The World's host, Marco Werman, explains where the term came from.

During his speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called protesters gathered outside "useful idiots." The World's host, Marco Werman, explains where the term came from.