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 historic prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries remains big news inside Russia. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova, president of the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, about President Vladimir Putin's "red carpet" welcome to returning Russian prisoners on Thursday, the response among members of the Russian opposition to the release by Moscow of so-called "dissidents," and the ways this story is being covered by Russian state media.

The historic prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries remains big news inside Russia. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova, president of the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, about President Vladimir Putin's "red carpet" welcome to returning Russian prisoners on Thursday, the response among members of the Russian opposition to the release by Moscow of so-called "dissidents," and the ways this story is being covered by Russian state media.

Prisoner exchange — the view in Russia 

In the penultimate episode of  The World and On Spec's investigative series, "Lethal Dissent," reporter Fariba Nawa is threatened by Ihsan Sağlam, the boss of a Turkish family who worked on kidnapping jobs for Iranian intelligence. Now that Nawa is forced into the story, she steers her reporting towards questions of impunity. The investigation into Iran's hunt for dissidents goes inside a Turkish parliamentary hearing, to find out if someone will intervene.

In the penultimate episode of  The World and On Spec's investigative series, "Lethal Dissent," reporter Fariba Nawa is threatened by Ihsan Sağlam, the boss of a Turkish family who worked on kidnapping jobs for Iranian intelligence. Now that Nawa is forced into the story, she steers her reporting towards questions of impunity. The investigation into Iran's hunt for dissidents goes inside a Turkish parliamentary hearing, to find out if someone will intervene.

What happens when an operative for Iran threatens a reporter

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. From Turkey, Durrie Bouscaren brings us sea beans and fried fish.

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. From Turkey, Durrie Bouscaren brings us sea beans and fried fish.

Cold food for hot weather: Turkey

Swimming is set to wrap up this weekend in Paris, and Amandine Aftalion, author of "Be a Champion: 40 Facts You Didn't Know About Sports and Science," shares one reason why there have been fewer world records than in Olympics past. Plus, the track-and-field events are just getting started. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler.

Swimming is set to wrap up this weekend in Paris, and Amandine Aftalion, author of "Be a Champion: 40 Facts You Didn't Know About Sports and Science," shares one reason why there have been fewer world records than in Olympics past. Plus, the track-and-field events are just getting started. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler.

Olympians wow in Paris

As the war in the region continues to escalate far beyond Gaza, the humanitarian situation for civilians there only gets worse by the day. Water, food and aid are hard to come by. And the threat of diseases like polio are getting much more serious. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with UNICEF spokesperson, Salim Oweis, about how children are handling the horror of the war.

As the war in the region continues to escalate far beyond Gaza, the humanitarian situation for civilians there only gets worse by the day. Water, food and aid are hard to come by. And the threat of diseases like polio are getting much more serious. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with UNICEF spokesperson, Salim Oweis, about how children are handling the horror of the war.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further

Thailand’s wildlife is fantastically diverse. Its elephants, primates and wild tigers are a source of national pride. But one native species is not loved. The water monitor, a dog-sized creature with snakelike fangs, is widely despised. A group of young Thais wants to convince society to start loving this four-legged creature. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Thailand’s wildlife is fantastically diverse. Its elephants, primates and wild tigers are a source of national pride. But one native species is not loved. The water monitor, a dog-sized creature with snakelike fangs, is widely despised. A group of young Thais wants to convince society to start loving this four-legged creature. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Thai monitor lizards have an underground fan club

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. Reporter Sushmita Pathak shares a dish known as curd rice.

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. Reporter Sushmita Pathak shares a dish known as curd rice.

Cold food for hot weather: India 

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Shirin Jaafari makes a refreshing dip from Iran.

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Shirin Jaafari makes a refreshing dip from Iran.

Cold food for hot weather: Iran via Boston

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Tibisay Zea shares a refreshing beverage from a street vendor in Caracas.

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Tibisay Zea shares a refreshing beverage from a street vendor in Caracas.

Cold food for hot weather: Venezuela

Police in the UK are bracing for a weekend of trouble following reports that far-right protests are being organized in cities across the country. The demonstrations were sparked by a mass stabbing earlier this week in Southport, a seaside town along England's west coast, which was falsely attributed to a Muslim immigrant. Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry.

Police in the UK are bracing for a weekend of trouble following reports that far-right protests are being organized in cities across the country. The demonstrations were sparked by a mass stabbing earlier this week in Southport, a seaside town along England's west coast, which was falsely attributed to a Muslim immigrant. Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry.

Far-right in UK exploits this week's stabbing 

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us a cold soup that's similar to gazpacho. But different.

Our reporters serve up samples of the food and drink people enjoy across the globe, when weather heats up. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us a cold soup that's similar to gazpacho. But different.

Cold food for hot weather: Barcelona 

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you some updates on some stories that we have reported on including the funeral of the assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh, rampaging wolves in the Netherlands and why you won't be able to order noodles anymore on Korean Airlines.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you some updates on some stories that we have reported on including the funeral of the assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh, rampaging wolves in the Netherlands and why you won't be able to order noodles anymore on Korean Airlines.

Updates on stories we're following 

A quarter century ago, a charismatic former military officer, Hugo Chávez, won Venezuela's presidency in a landslide, after promising to empower the poor through a more inclusive democracy. And he did, up to a certain point. But his revolution turned into an authoritarian and repressive regime that, as evidence show, just executed an electoral fraud. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela, on the people who still back Chavez's handpick successor, Nicolás Maduro.

A quarter century ago, a charismatic former military officer, Hugo Chávez, won Venezuela's presidency in a landslide, after promising to empower the poor through a more inclusive democracy. And he did, up to a certain point. But his revolution turned into an authoritarian and repressive regime that, as evidence show, just executed an electoral fraud. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Caracas, Venezuela, on the people who still back Chavez's handpick successor, Nicolás Maduro.

The people who still support Nicolás Maduro

In the predawn hours on Tuesday, landslides struck the southern Indian state of Kerala. Landslides are common in this hilly region known for tea cultivation, but even so, the destruction this week has been extreme. More than 200 people have been confirmed dead, and although the search for missing people continues, hope of finding survivors is running low. Reporter Sushmita Pathak, in Delhi, offers insight into the region, the high death toll, and how climate change may contribute to what's happening.

In the predawn hours on Tuesday, landslides struck the southern Indian state of Kerala. Landslides are common in this hilly region known for tea cultivation, but even so, the destruction this week has been extreme. More than 200 people have been confirmed dead, and although the search for missing people continues, hope of finding survivors is running low. Reporter Sushmita Pathak, in Delhi, offers insight into the region, the high death toll, and how climate change may contribute to what's happening.

Landslides devastate southern India this monsoon season

This week, South Sudan’s national men’s basketball team made their Olympic debut. Despite having zero indoor courts, the team managed to qualify for the Olympics after forming only a few years ago. Amid years of ethnic strife and civil war, basketball is proving to be a unifying force for all South Sudanese. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from a watch party in Nairobi, Kenya.

This week, South Sudan’s national men’s basketball team made their Olympic debut. Despite having zero indoor courts, the team managed to qualify for the Olympics after forming only a few years ago. Amid years of ethnic strife and civil war, basketball is proving to be a unifying force for all South Sudanese. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from a watch party in Nairobi, Kenya.

South Sudan's men's basketball team makes Olympic debut

The former president of Guinea, Mohamad Dadis Camara, was found guilty on Wednesday for his invovlement in a 2009 massacre committed by his forces. Camara was being tried in a Guinean court case along with other defendents for the past two years. Host Marco Werman speak with Daniel Eizenga, a research fellow at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, about the trial and what this conviction means for Guinea now.

The former president of Guinea, Mohamad Dadis Camara, was found guilty on Wednesday for his invovlement in a 2009 massacre committed by his forces. Camara was being tried in a Guinean court case along with other defendents for the past two years. Host Marco Werman speak with Daniel Eizenga, a research fellow at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, about the trial and what this conviction means for Guinea now.

Former president of Guinea found guilty in massacre trial

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and murder charges along with two of his accomplices. The plea deal allows the men to avoid a death penalty trial at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The World’s Marco Werman talks with The New York Times correspondent Carol Rosenberg at the US base in Cuba about the implications of the deal.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and murder charges along with two of his accomplices. The plea deal allows the men to avoid a death penalty trial at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The World’s Marco Werman talks with The New York Times correspondent Carol Rosenberg at the US base in Cuba about the implications of the deal.

Accused 9/11 plotters agree to plea deal

After the horrors of Oct. 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza, it's become almost dangerous for Palestinians and Israelis to publicly express empathy and understanding for each other. Reporter Rebecca Rosman met with two men — one Palestinian, one Israeli — who are trying hard to maintain their own empathy for the pain the other side is experiencing. Both have been called a traitor.

After the horrors of Oct. 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza, it's become almost dangerous for Palestinians and Israelis to publicly express empathy and understanding for each other. Reporter Rebecca Rosman met with two men — one Palestinian, one Israeli — who are trying hard to maintain their own empathy for the pain the other side is experiencing. Both have been called a traitor.

Showing empathy in Israel and Palestinian territories can come with a price 

When the Dyke family moved from Jamaica to northern Vermont, they were worried about the cold. But they found the Green Mountains to be very familiar seeming.

When the Dyke family moved from Jamaica to northern Vermont, they were worried about the cold. But they found the Green Mountains to be very familiar seeming.

A Jamaican family band shows their stuff in Vermont

Australia, where 1 in 10 babies are affected by peanut allergies, is rolling out a free treatment program. This world’s first nationwide effort to treat infants with peanut allergies, by giving them a daily dose of peanut powder, is providing families with hope of overcoming the potentially life-threatening condition. Host Marco Werman tells the story.

Australia, where 1 in 10 babies are affected by peanut allergies, is rolling out a free treatment program. This world’s first nationwide effort to treat infants with peanut allergies, by giving them a daily dose of peanut powder, is providing families with hope of overcoming the potentially life-threatening condition. Host Marco Werman tells the story.

Australia rolls out national peanut allergy treatment program

Devastating floods in North Korea has submerged thousands of homes and large areas of farmland. Leader Kim Jong-un has called for strict punishment of officials for not preventing the floods.

Devastating floods in North Korea has submerged thousands of homes and large areas of farmland. Leader Kim Jong-un has called for strict punishment of officials for not preventing the floods.

North Korea flooding 

In a surprise move, the US, Russia and five other countries carried out a prison swap. Twenty-six people in total were released, including 24 adults and two children. The World's Daniel Ofman has the latest, and explains what it all may mean for US-Russia relations.

In a surprise move, the US, Russia and five other countries carried out a prison swap. Twenty-six people in total were released, including 24 adults and two children. The World's Daniel Ofman has the latest, and explains what it all may mean for US-Russia relations.

Russia prisoner swap

Today, some Brazilians along the southern coast of the country are celebrating the "day of the right whale." This is an endangered species of whale that has made a comeback in the region due to conservation efforts by the Brazilian government. Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, Brazil, on the right whale comeback.

Today, some Brazilians along the southern coast of the country are celebrating the "day of the right whale." This is an endangered species of whale that has made a comeback in the region due to conservation efforts by the Brazilian government. Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, Brazil, on the right whale comeback.

The 'day of the right whale' in southern Brazil 

Singapore's Food Agency has approved 16 species of insects as safe for human consumption, including crickets, grubs, moth larvae and one species of honeybee. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Matthew Britt, associate professor and chef at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, about cooking with bugs.

Singapore's Food Agency has approved 16 species of insects as safe for human consumption, including crickets, grubs, moth larvae and one species of honeybee. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Matthew Britt, associate professor and chef at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, about cooking with bugs.

Insects on the menu in Singapore

Since June, young people in Kenya have been demonstrating on a weekly basis against taxes, corruption and police brutality. The protests are now inspiring young people in other African countries, like Uganda and Nigeria, to do the same. The wave of youth-led protests in Africa is stirring up memories of the Arab Spring in 2010. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Since June, young people in Kenya have been demonstrating on a weekly basis against taxes, corruption and police brutality. The protests are now inspiring young people in other African countries, like Uganda and Nigeria, to do the same. The wave of youth-led protests in Africa is stirring up memories of the Arab Spring in 2010. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

African youth protests

The Israeli army claimed responsibility for a missile strike that killed a Hezbollah commander in his Beirut apartment. At least three people were killed in that strike and some 70 wounded. Hours later, Hamas' leader-in-exile Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed as they slept in Tehran. Haniyeh was there for the swearing in of Iran's new president.

The Israeli army claimed responsibility for a missile strike that killed a Hezbollah commander in his Beirut apartment. At least three people were killed in that strike and some 70 wounded. Hours later, Hamas' leader-in-exile Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed as they slept in Tehran. Haniyeh was there for the swearing in of Iran's new president.

2 assassinations, 1 claim of responsibility

Following the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah figures the past two days, there are fears about a wider conflict engulfing the Middle East. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the prospects of an inflamed conflict in the region and whether or not the US has any leverage with Israel.

Following the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah figures the past two days, there are fears about a wider conflict engulfing the Middle East. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the prospects of an inflamed conflict in the region and whether or not the US has any leverage with Israel.

Could Hamas leader's assassination lead to wider Mideast conflict?

For a major capital and one of the world's largest economies, Japan has a surprisingly small art market. But that's changing, with a new major international arts fair and new galleries cropping up. Reporter Gisele Regatao reports from Tokyo.

For a major capital and one of the world's largest economies, Japan has a surprisingly small art market. But that's changing, with a new major international arts fair and new galleries cropping up. Reporter Gisele Regatao reports from Tokyo.

Japan art market awakens

A hundred miles off the coast of China is the island of Taiwan: with ambiguous status in the global community, Taiwan sees China as its most important economic partner and its biggest military threat. Host Marco Werman talks with veteran journalist Jane Perlez about serious and alarming scenarios in which the US and China might go to war over Taiwan's sovereignty. Perlez is the host of the podcast "Face Off: US versus China."

A hundred miles off the coast of China is the island of Taiwan: with ambiguous status in the global community, Taiwan sees China as its most important economic partner and its biggest military threat. Host Marco Werman talks with veteran journalist Jane Perlez about serious and alarming scenarios in which the US and China might go to war over Taiwan's sovereignty. Perlez is the host of the podcast "Face Off: US versus China."

War games scenarios in Taiwan

Rivers are the lifeblood of a landscape. And yet humans have altered them in disastrous ways. So, how realistic is it to think urban dwellers everywhere could once again swim in their waterways?  Efforts to make the Seine "swimmable" for this year’s Olympics draw on lessons from successful restoration projects in other parts of the world, as author and naturalist Sy Montgomery explains to The World’s Carolyn Beeler.

Rivers are the lifeblood of a landscape. And yet humans have altered them in disastrous ways. So, how realistic is it to think urban dwellers everywhere could once again swim in their waterways?  Efforts to make the Seine "swimmable" for this year’s Olympics draw on lessons from successful restoration projects in other parts of the world, as author and naturalist Sy Montgomery explains to The World’s Carolyn Beeler.