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.

In Australia, a snake sighting recently grounded a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane. Unlike the 2006 movie "Snakes on a Plane," this particular snake was only a foot long and not venomous. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

In Australia, a snake sighting recently grounded a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane. Unlike the 2006 movie "Snakes on a Plane," this particular snake was only a foot long and not venomous. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

One snake on a plane

It was at music school in the United States that Alex Alvear really came to appreciate the different styles of music from his home country: Ecuador. He shared his story with Jared Bowen for "The Culture Show" on GBH in Boston.

It was at music school in the United States that Alex Alvear really came to appreciate the different styles of music from his home country: Ecuador. He shared his story with Jared Bowen for "The Culture Show" on GBH in Boston.

Alex Alvear's quest to understand his musical roots

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. The annual music festival started out as part of the city's centennial festivities. But founder Mitch Podolak was planning to make it a permanent festival all along. Now, it attracts performers from all over the world and is attended by over 70,000 people every year. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the festival's history.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. The annual music festival started out as part of the city's centennial festivities. But founder Mitch Podolak was planning to make it a permanent festival all along. Now, it attracts performers from all over the world and is attended by over 70,000 people every year. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the festival's history.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival at 50

"The Salt Path" is a best-selling memoir and major film. And now, an investigation by The Observer has revealed several of the central claims in the story are false, and the reality includes accusations of criminal conduct. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with the director of the Oxford Center for Life Writing about the expectation of truth in memoir — and when creative license crosses the line.

"The Salt Path" is a best-selling memoir and major film. And now, an investigation by The Observer has revealed several of the central claims in the story are false, and the reality includes accusations of criminal conduct. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with the director of the Oxford Center for Life Writing about the expectation of truth in memoir — and when creative license crosses the line.

Falsehoods in popular memoir raise controversy

A new trend in Mexico is transforming flower deliveries into viral social media performances —complete with music, confetti and dramatic flair. What began as one man’s creative response to the pandemic has grown into a booming business, blending romance, showmanship and echoes of narco-inspired aesthetics. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

A new trend in Mexico is transforming flower deliveries into viral social media performances —complete with music, confetti and dramatic flair. What began as one man’s creative response to the pandemic has grown into a booming business, blending romance, showmanship and echoes of narco-inspired aesthetics. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

In Mexico, flower deliveries take on a life of their own

Israeli jets have stopped flying over Iran’s skies — at least for now. Residents of Tehran, who’d fled the city during the war, have returned. Some are burying the dead and assessing the damage to their homes. They tell The World’s Shirin Jaafari that nothing feels the same.

Israeli jets have stopped flying over Iran’s skies — at least for now. Residents of Tehran, who’d fled the city during the war, have returned. Some are burying the dead and assessing the damage to their homes. They tell The World’s Shirin Jaafari that nothing feels the same.

'Nothing feels the same': A fragile truce in place, Iranians wonder what comes next

Last month, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized a new saint: Olga Michael, who lived in the small ton of Kwethluk, Alaska, until her death in 1979. St. Olga is the first Yup’ik to be canonized in the Orthodox Church, whose missionaries brought the religion to Alaska in the 1700s when Alaska was a Russian colony. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the past and present of the faith in Alaska from the Very Reverend Father John Jillions, a priest in the Orthodox Church in America.

Last month, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized a new saint: Olga Michael, who lived in the small ton of Kwethluk, Alaska, until her death in 1979. St. Olga is the first Yup’ik to be canonized in the Orthodox Church, whose missionaries brought the religion to Alaska in the 1700s when Alaska was a Russian colony. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the past and present of the faith in Alaska from the Very Reverend Father John Jillions, a priest in the Orthodox Church in America.

Native Alaskan woman canonized as Russian Orthodox saint

After decades of an insurgency against the Turkish government, members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK, ceremonially laid down their arms at a ceremony in northern Iraq. The group's jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, recently decided to disarm and seek a political solution to the PKK's grievances. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

After decades of an insurgency against the Turkish government, members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK, ceremonially laid down their arms at a ceremony in northern Iraq. The group's jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, recently decided to disarm and seek a political solution to the PKK's grievances. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Kurdistan Workers' Party ceremonially lays down its arms

Thirty years after the genocide at Srebrenica, mass killings sadly still occur. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Martin Shaw, a professor at the University of Sussex in the UK, about the obstacles to preventing genocide.

Thirty years after the genocide at Srebrenica, mass killings sadly still occur. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Martin Shaw, a professor at the University of Sussex in the UK, about the obstacles to preventing genocide.

What does it take to stop a genocide?

This week marks three decades since the massacre in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Serb forces. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Although two UN courts later ruled it a genocide, some survivors and victims’ families say they are still looking for justice, while peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

This week marks three decades since the massacre in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Serb forces. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Although two UN courts later ruled it a genocide, some survivors and victims’ families say they are still looking for justice, while peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Three decades since Srebrenica genocide

The EU has awarded Finland more than 90 million euros (around $105 million), in large part to cover the purchase of a new icebreaker ship. It's part of a global race to expand fleets with the capacity to safely move through the Arctic as climate change opens up new pathways through the ice. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute, about the significance of the funding and shifting geopolitical landscape in the high north.

The EU has awarded Finland more than 90 million euros (around $105 million), in large part to cover the purchase of a new icebreaker ship. It's part of a global race to expand fleets with the capacity to safely move through the Arctic as climate change opens up new pathways through the ice. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute, about the significance of the funding and shifting geopolitical landscape in the high north.

A global race for icebreakers

They’re shiny metals, can be hard to find and they’re essential to building high-tech equipment — from electric cars to fighter jets. “Rare earth metals” are dominated by one country: China. Once obscure, rare earth metals shot to prominence when China cut exports to the outside world — a strategy to hurt the US amid the ongoing trade war. What many people overlook is that many so-called “Chinese” rare earths aren’t from China at all. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

They’re shiny metals, can be hard to find and they’re essential to building high-tech equipment — from electric cars to fighter jets. “Rare earth metals” are dominated by one country: China. Once obscure, rare earth metals shot to prominence when China cut exports to the outside world — a strategy to hurt the US amid the ongoing trade war. What many people overlook is that many so-called “Chinese” rare earths aren’t from China at all. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Precious 'Chinese' rare earths are often from war-torn Myanmar

A coalition of farmers, environmentalists and volunteers are coming together to restore the UK's hedgerows. The UK lost about 50% of these historic boundary lines following WWII. There is also national support; the UK government wants to add 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050. Will Fitzpatrick, a community engagement officer with The Tree Council, told The World's Hannah Chanatry about why hedgerows play an important role in both climate resilience and cultural heritage.

A coalition of farmers, environmentalists and volunteers are coming together to restore the UK's hedgerows. The UK lost about 50% of these historic boundary lines following WWII. There is also national support; the UK government wants to add 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050. Will Fitzpatrick, a community engagement officer with The Tree Council, told The World's Hannah Chanatry about why hedgerows play an important role in both climate resilience and cultural heritage.

Efforts to restore UK hedgerows are growing

Houthi rebels used small boats and bomb-laden drones to strike a Greek-owned cargo ship passing through the Red Sea on Monday. Just a day earlier, they sank another bulk carrier there. Fatima al Asrar of the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the strikes are designed to send an unmistakable message to global shipping companies.

Houthi rebels used small boats and bomb-laden drones to strike a Greek-owned cargo ship passing through the Red Sea on Monday. Just a day earlier, they sank another bulk carrier there. Fatima al Asrar of the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the strikes are designed to send an unmistakable message to global shipping companies.

Houthis are 'back to business' with dual strikes on Red Sea ships

Europe's first major heat wave of the summer began in late June, and caused an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths. A new rapid study has concluded that almost two-thirds of those deaths would not have occurred were it not for climate change. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details about how that study reached those findings, and who is most susceptible to heat-related health complications.

Europe's first major heat wave of the summer began in late June, and caused an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths. A new rapid study has concluded that almost two-thirds of those deaths would not have occurred were it not for climate change. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details about how that study reached those findings, and who is most susceptible to heat-related health complications.

Climate change morality, in numbers

A quick look at our top story today: ice -- specifically, Arctic sea ice and the efforts to build more icebreaking ships. Russia has the largest fleet of around 40 icebreakers. The US goal is to build a fleet of eight or nine of the heavy-duty ships. We hear from Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute Center for Circumpolar Security Studies.

A quick look at our top story today: ice -- specifically, Arctic sea ice and the efforts to build more icebreaking ships. Russia has the largest fleet of around 40 icebreakers. The US goal is to build a fleet of eight or nine of the heavy-duty ships. We hear from Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute Center for Circumpolar Security Studies.

Global icebreakers redux

The village of Taybeh describes itself as the last entirely Christian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But three priests from Taybeh just put out a statement saying that centuries of Christian history "is now at serious risk of erosion due to the systematic targeting of its land, holy sites and people." The clergymen say Jewish settlers are carrying out the attacks. The statement accuses Israeli settlers of lighting fires near a Christian church and a cemetery, grazing their animals on Palestinian land and building illegal settlement outposts in the vicinity. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.

The village of Taybeh describes itself as the last entirely Christian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But three priests from Taybeh just put out a statement saying that centuries of Christian history "is now at serious risk of erosion due to the systematic targeting of its land, holy sites and people." The clergymen say Jewish settlers are carrying out the attacks. The statement accuses Israeli settlers of lighting fires near a Christian church and a cemetery, grazing their animals on Palestinian land and building illegal settlement outposts in the vicinity. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.

Palestinian Christians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank say they're facing 'systematic attacks'

Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, the film "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" explores a violent period of transition in Zimbabwe's history — through the eyes of a young girl who lived it. The country, then known as Rhodesia, was a former British colony in Southern Africa where the white minority dominated the country and wanted to keep it that way. Director and actor Embeth Davidtz told The World's Host Marco Werman that she adapted the story into a screenplay because it resonated with her own childhood in South Africa.

Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, the film "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" explores a violent period of transition in Zimbabwe's history — through the eyes of a young girl who lived it. The country, then known as Rhodesia, was a former British colony in Southern Africa where the white minority dominated the country and wanted to keep it that way. Director and actor Embeth Davidtz told The World's Host Marco Werman that she adapted the story into a screenplay because it resonated with her own childhood in South Africa.

New film 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight' explores final days of white minority rule in Zimbabwe

The Olavide Museum, founded in the late 19th century, contains hundreds of life-sized models of people infected with cutaneous diseases, from ringworm to syphilis. The graphic models helped medical students diagnose illnesses. The wax figures are no longer used as a teaching tool. But the museum still teaches visitors history, and contains the stories of the real patients at a time before modern medicine. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Madrid.

The Olavide Museum, founded in the late 19th century, contains hundreds of life-sized models of people infected with cutaneous diseases, from ringworm to syphilis. The graphic models helped medical students diagnose illnesses. The wax figures are no longer used as a teaching tool. But the museum still teaches visitors history, and contains the stories of the real patients at a time before modern medicine. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Madrid.

Spain's wax museum of dermatology, once a teaching tool, to close

London's Heathrow airport, one of the busiest in the world, has decided to take a lead from experimental musician Brian Eno. In 1978, Eno created a meditative soundtrack to put you at ease  — in an airport or anywhere — with his "Music for Airports" recording. Now, along with a Grammy-nominated artist, Heathrow has produced a four-minute track titled, "Music for Heathrow." As we hear, it doesn't quite achieve what Eno set out to do.

London's Heathrow airport, one of the busiest in the world, has decided to take a lead from experimental musician Brian Eno. In 1978, Eno created a meditative soundtrack to put you at ease  — in an airport or anywhere — with his "Music for Airports" recording. Now, along with a Grammy-nominated artist, Heathrow has produced a four-minute track titled, "Music for Heathrow." As we hear, it doesn't quite achieve what Eno set out to do.

The music of London's Heathrow airport

The TSA has announced that it's dropping the longstanding "shoes off" policy for security checks at airports around the US. As the World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the move falls in line with international efforts to increase efficiency for travelers.

The TSA has announced that it's dropping the longstanding "shoes off" policy for security checks at airports around the US. As the World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the move falls in line with international efforts to increase efficiency for travelers.

How airports around the world are looking to speed up security

Across Kenya, thousands have taken to the streets to protest the government of President William Ruto. The protests are driven by young people in the country who are frustrated with a host of government policies and they are demanding change. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maxie Daniel, a 28-year-old human rights activist in Kenya, and Irũngũ Houghton, executive director for Amnesty International in the country.

Across Kenya, thousands have taken to the streets to protest the government of President William Ruto. The protests are driven by young people in the country who are frustrated with a host of government policies and they are demanding change. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maxie Daniel, a 28-year-old human rights activist in Kenya, and Irũngũ Houghton, executive director for Amnesty International in the country.

Young people drive anti-government protests in Kenya

Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug in the United States. But at the US–Mexico border, something unexpected is happening. Seizures of the synthetic opioid have fallen sharply — more than 50% compared to last year. But what’s behind the drop? The World's Tibisay Zea looks at what the numbers can — and can’t — tell us about the state of the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug in the United States. But at the US–Mexico border, something unexpected is happening. Seizures of the synthetic opioid have fallen sharply — more than 50% compared to last year. But what’s behind the drop? The World's Tibisay Zea looks at what the numbers can — and can’t — tell us about the state of the fentanyl crisis.

Why are border fentanyl seizures down?

In the 1960s, France had around 200,000 cafes nationwide. It's down to 36,000 today. Most of the bistros that disappeared were in small, rural towns. Up until now, it's been virtually impossible to bring them back, mainly because of restrictive French liquor laws. But a bill in parliament hopes to change that, and breathe some life back into thousands of small towns. The World's Gerry Hadden first filed this report from Jujols, France in March.This story originally aired on March 14, 2025.

In the 1960s, France had around 200,000 cafes nationwide. It's down to 36,000 today. Most of the bistros that disappeared were in small, rural towns. Up until now, it's been virtually impossible to bring them back, mainly because of restrictive French liquor laws. But a bill in parliament hopes to change that, and breathe some life back into thousands of small towns. The World's Gerry Hadden first filed this report from Jujols, France in March.
This story originally aired on March 14, 2025.

Cafes could spark renaissance in tiny French towns

At the AI for Good Summit underway this week in Geneva, innovators are showcasing tools that promise hyper-productivity and unlimited creativity harnessed for human advancement. Journalist Karen Hao, author of the new book "Empire of AI" is at the conference and says she’s skeptical of these lofty claims. She tells Host Marco Werman why she thinks AI represents a new form of empire that must be challenged if democracy is to survive.

At the AI for Good Summit underway this week in Geneva, innovators are showcasing tools that promise hyper-productivity and unlimited creativity harnessed for human advancement. Journalist Karen Hao, author of the new book "Empire of AI" is at the conference and says she’s skeptical of these lofty claims. She tells Host Marco Werman why she thinks AI represents a new form of empire that must be challenged if democracy is to survive.

How the disruptive power of AI threatens democracy

Russia launched more than 740 drones overnight at the northwestern part of Ukraine, hitting the city of Lutsk among other targets. Ukraine's air force says it faced a mix of drones and decoys. The attack came in the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement that the US would send more weapons and aid to the war-torn country. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Russia launched more than 740 drones overnight at the northwestern part of Ukraine, hitting the city of Lutsk among other targets. Ukraine's air force says it faced a mix of drones and decoys. The attack came in the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement that the US would send more weapons and aid to the war-torn country. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Russia launches largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine

Almost every country on Earth has signed it — the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, widely known as the "NPT." It became effective on March 5, 1970. At the time, US President Richard Nixon called it "a historic occasion" and a "first milestone" on the road toward lasting world peace. The NPT has held for all these years, and today, only nine countries have nuclear weapons. But after Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, there's speculation that Iran might quit the NPT and other nations could follow suit, by pursuing nuclear weapons technology themselves. The World's Matthew Bell reports on where the NPT stands now.

Almost every country on Earth has signed it — the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, widely known as the "NPT." It became effective on March 5, 1970. At the time, US President Richard Nixon called it "a historic occasion" and a "first milestone" on the road toward lasting world peace. The NPT has held for all these years, and today, only nine countries have nuclear weapons. But after Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, there's speculation that Iran might quit the NPT and other nations could follow suit, by pursuing nuclear weapons technology themselves. The World's Matthew Bell reports on where the NPT stands now.

Bombing Iran has put one of the most successful treaties ever in doubt

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, Mexico, Panama and the US consistently do well at global flag football championships. But more athletes are now coming to the sport than ever before. And they're coming from a wide range of places, including the NFL and new, smaller flag football leagues. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how athletes around the world are getting ready for flag football's debut at the 2028 Olympics.

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, Mexico, Panama and the US consistently do well at global flag football championships. But more athletes are now coming to the sport than ever before. And they're coming from a wide range of places, including the NFL and new, smaller flag football leagues. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how athletes around the world are getting ready for flag football's debut at the 2028 Olympics.

Who will be on the field as flag football debuts at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, forcing its crew to evacuate. Sunday's attack was followed by a similar attack on another ship late yesterday. The Yemeni government and the EU have said that attack was also carried about by the Houthis, although the rebel group has not claimed responsibility for it.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, forcing its crew to evacuate. Sunday's attack was followed by a similar attack on another ship late yesterday. The Yemeni government and the EU have said that attack was also carried about by the Houthis, although the rebel group has not claimed responsibility for it.

Houthis attack ships in Red Sea for the first time this year

The Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince had stood for generations, surviving political upheaval, weather events and the devastating 2010 earthquakes that are believed to have killed more than 200,000 people. But over the weekend, the iconic, gingerbread-style building burned to the ground. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with independent reporter Harold Isaac about what happened and the legacy of the Hotel Oloffson.

The Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince had stood for generations, surviving political upheaval, weather events and the devastating 2010 earthquakes that are believed to have killed more than 200,000 people. But over the weekend, the iconic, gingerbread-style building burned to the ground. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with independent reporter Harold Isaac about what happened and the legacy of the Hotel Oloffson.