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.

Exit polls show a center-left party gaining ground in the Netherlands' national elections. That's a setback for the far-right party of Geert Wilders, who expected a decisive win. But Sarah de Lange, a professor of Dutch politics at the Institute of Political Science at Leiden University, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Dutch voters who support the extreme right have not returned to the mainstream.

Exit polls show a center-left party gaining ground in the Netherlands' national elections. That's a setback for the far-right party of Geert Wilders, who expected a decisive win. But Sarah de Lange, a professor of Dutch politics at the Institute of Political Science at Leiden University, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Dutch voters who support the extreme right have not returned to the mainstream.

Far-right vote splinters in the Netherlands

The nation currently known as Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia. That land was once known to Europeans as part of the Levant. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek walked across Turkey on foot in 2014. He looks back on the experience of traversing that ground, in conversation with Host Carolyn Beeler.

The nation currently known as Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia. That land was once known to Europeans as part of the Levant. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek walked across Turkey on foot in 2014. He looks back on the experience of traversing that ground, in conversation with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Walking through Turkey between conflicts

Weather balloons carrying boxes of smuggled cigarettes have been disrupting flights in Lithuania. The situation has escalated dramatically over the past week, and the government in Vilnius has announced plans to close Lithuania's border with Belarus. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Weather balloons carrying boxes of smuggled cigarettes have been disrupting flights in Lithuania. The situation has escalated dramatically over the past week, and the government in Vilnius has announced plans to close Lithuania's border with Belarus. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Lithuania taking action to prevent smuggler balloons from Belarus

US military forces operating in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have carried out more than a dozen strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats. The strikes, which began in September, have killed nearly 60 people so far. Trump administration officials have offered scant legal justification for these attacks. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

US military forces operating in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have carried out more than a dozen strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats. The strikes, which began in September, have killed nearly 60 people so far. Trump administration officials have offered scant legal justification for these attacks. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Trump administration ramps up deadly strikes in waters off Latin America

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on news headlines you might have missed.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on news headlines you might have missed.

Things you might have missed

In Rio de Janeiro, residents of the favelas of Penha and Alemão are reeling after Brazil’s deadliest police raid in decades left more than 130 people dead. The operation, aimed at leaders of the Red Command gang, turned the neighborhoods into a war zone. Governor Cláudio Castro defended the raid as a “hard blow against crime,” but human rights groups call it a massacre — and residents say it shows how little has changed in Rio’s security policy. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

In Rio de Janeiro, residents of the favelas of Penha and Alemão are reeling after Brazil’s deadliest police raid in decades left more than 130 people dead. The operation, aimed at leaders of the Red Command gang, turned the neighborhoods into a war zone. Governor Cláudio Castro defended the raid as a “hard blow against crime,” but human rights groups call it a massacre — and residents say it shows how little has changed in Rio’s security policy. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Deadly police raid in Rio sparks outrage and calls for justice

The Blue Jays lead the LA Dodgers 3-2 in this year's World Series. The baseball games themselves are spectacular, but they also gain momentum from world politics, as the Jays play against the backdrop of rising tensions between Canada and the US. Lee-Anne Goodman is an editor at The Conversation, and also a Blue Jays fan. She joined The World's Host Marco Werman to talk about the significance of the series for Canadians.

The Blue Jays lead the LA Dodgers 3-2 in this year's World Series. The baseball games themselves are spectacular, but they also gain momentum from world politics, as the Jays play against the backdrop of rising tensions between Canada and the US. Lee-Anne Goodman is an editor at The Conversation, and also a Blue Jays fan. She joined The World's Host Marco Werman to talk about the significance of the series for Canadians.

In a true 'World' Series, the Blue Jays represent Canadian Unity

The independent news network Radio Free Asia will begin closing down its operations on Friday. It's one of several US government-funded international broadcasters that the Trump administration wants to dismantle. The winners in this scenario are authoritarian leaders in Asia who don't tolerate a free press or freedom of expression.

The independent news network Radio Free Asia will begin closing down its operations on Friday. It's one of several US government-funded international broadcasters that the Trump administration wants to dismantle. The winners in this scenario are authoritarian leaders in Asia who don't tolerate a free press or freedom of expression.

Radio Free Asia is shutting down

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, today. Both leaders sounded optimistic about cooling trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump called the meeting a "12 out of 10." Nothing has been set in stone, but Trump said tariffs will go down, and China will sell the US rare earth metals and buy US soybeans. The World's Jeremy Siegel reports from Hong Kong.

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, today. Both leaders sounded optimistic about cooling trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump called the meeting a "12 out of 10." Nothing has been set in stone, but Trump said tariffs will go down, and China will sell the US rare earth metals and buy US soybeans. The World's Jeremy Siegel reports from Hong Kong.

US President Trump and Chinese leader Xi hash out differences

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you some stories that may not have caught your eye.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you some stories that may not have caught your eye.

News you may not have seen

Today in Jamaica, people are picking up the pieces after the strongest storm seen on Earth — and the strongest hurricane in Jamaica's history — thrashed the island. Hurricane Melissa has now moved over Cuba. The World's Marco Werman heard about the damage done from Evan Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica in Kingston.

Today in Jamaica, people are picking up the pieces after the strongest storm seen on Earth — and the strongest hurricane in Jamaica's history — thrashed the island. Hurricane Melissa has now moved over Cuba. The World's Marco Werman heard about the damage done from Evan Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica in Kingston.

Jamaicans without power in wake of Hurricane Melissa

The border between Lithuania and Belarus will stay closed for a month, the government in Lithuania decided today. Host Marco Werman explains.

The border between Lithuania and Belarus will stay closed for a month, the government in Lithuania decided today. Host Marco Werman explains.

Lithuania closes border with Belarus

In the early 1900s, Lower Manhattan was home to Little Syria, then the epicenter of the Arabic-speaking community in the US. But today, most people have never heard of it. Syrian American rapper and poet Omar Offendum aims to change that with his hip-hop musical "Little Syria." Meklit Hadero, host of the "Movement podcast," talked with Offendum about the project.

In the early 1900s, Lower Manhattan was home to Little Syria, then the epicenter of the Arabic-speaking community in the US. But today, most people have never heard of it. Syrian American rapper and poet Omar Offendum aims to change that with his hip-hop musical "Little Syria." Meklit Hadero, host of the "Movement podcast," talked with Offendum about the project.

'Movement': New York's 'Little Syria' hip-hop musical

In its most comprehensive report on climate change and health to date, the Lancet Countdown study found that rising temperatures cause an average of one death per minute. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Maria Walawender, Lancet Countdown Research Fellow, about the details of the report.

In its most comprehensive report on climate change and health to date, the Lancet Countdown study found that rising temperatures cause an average of one death per minute. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Maria Walawender, Lancet Countdown Research Fellow, about the details of the report.

New report details rising cost of climate change to human health

Israeli forces carried out attacks inside Gaza on Tuesday night, killing at least a hundred people, according to Gaza health officials. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a “powerful response” to what he called a breach of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas. Netanyahu said the group killed an Israeli soldier and is deliberately delaying handing over the remains of Israeli hostages. Hamas denied the accusations, saying that the attackers are not under its control and that the remains are difficult and time consuming to collect given the conditions on the ground in Gaza. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct details about the prayer recited at the top of the report.

Israeli forces carried out attacks inside Gaza on Tuesday night, killing at least a hundred people, according to Gaza health officials. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a “powerful response” to what he called a breach of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas. Netanyahu said the group killed an Israeli soldier and is deliberately delaying handing over the remains of Israeli hostages. Hamas denied the accusations, saying that the attackers are not under its control and that the remains are difficult and time consuming to collect given the conditions on the ground in Gaza. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct details about the prayer recited at the top of the report.

Israel strikes Gaza, killing a hundred people

During the height of its heroin crisis in the 1980s, the Netherlands chose a “third way” to respond to drug use — neither punishment nor abstinence, but harm reduction. Today, that approach has helped drive overdose deaths to some of the lowest in the world, including in the US, through policies like safe consumption rooms, drug checking and health-first policing. But in some parts of the US South there is opposition. The Gulf State Newsroom’s Drew Hawkins went to the Netherlands to find out what their approach looks like.

During the height of its heroin crisis in the 1980s, the Netherlands chose a “third way” to respond to drug use — neither punishment nor abstinence, but harm reduction. Today, that approach has helped drive overdose deaths to some of the lowest in the world, including in the US, through policies like safe consumption rooms, drug checking and health-first policing. But in some parts of the US South there is opposition. The Gulf State Newsroom’s Drew Hawkins went to the Netherlands to find out what their approach looks like.

Dutch use 'harm reduction' instead of jail to solve drug crisis

Sea monsters like the Kraken, serpents or the Loch Ness monster may be just in our imagination, but across history, these stories have roots in reality. Today, we still like to exaggerate and tell stories about the very real creatures that live in the deep sea, beyond the reach of sunlight. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler toured an exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History with marine scientist Peter Girguis, to understand this spectrum of imagination and reality.

Sea monsters like the Kraken, serpents or the Loch Ness monster may be just in our imagination, but across history, these stories have roots in reality. Today, we still like to exaggerate and tell stories about the very real creatures that live in the deep sea, beyond the reach of sunlight. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler toured an exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History with marine scientist Peter Girguis, to understand this spectrum of imagination and reality.

New exhibit explores sea monsters across countries, cultures and deep beneath the sea

A Canadian politician brags about a controversial tariff ad, the World Series is a doozy and a few Australian schools are learning the hard way about Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

A Canadian politician brags about a controversial tariff ad, the World Series is a doozy and a few Australian schools are learning the hard way about Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Headlines that caught our attention

In a classroom in western China, children once learned to sing and count in the language of their ancestors — Uyghur. Then, the doors were locked, and founder Abduweli Ayup went from teacher to enemy of the state, as a crackdown on his people kicked into overdrive. From the "Click Here" podcast, Dina Temple-Raston reports.

In a classroom in western China, children once learned to sing and count in the language of their ancestors — Uyghur. Then, the doors were locked, and founder Abduweli Ayup went from teacher to enemy of the state, as a crackdown on his people kicked into overdrive. From the "Click Here" podcast, Dina Temple-Raston reports.

Uyghurs weren't always oppressed in China

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with catastrophic winds and the potential for widespread flooding and landslides. The Category 5 storm is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, and the single strongest to hit Jamaica. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with catastrophic winds and the potential for widespread flooding and landslides. The Category 5 storm is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, and the single strongest to hit Jamaica. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Jamaica's largest-ever hurricane slams into the island

Atrocities continue as Sudan’s military retreats from el-Fasher, a town in Darfur that has been under a grueling siege for more than 500 days. Nathaniel Raymond, the director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how high-resolution satellite imagery is documenting crimes committed by the militia known as the Rapid Support Forces.

Atrocities continue as Sudan’s military retreats from el-Fasher, a town in Darfur that has been under a grueling siege for more than 500 days. Nathaniel Raymond, the director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how high-resolution satellite imagery is documenting crimes committed by the militia known as the Rapid Support Forces.

After Darfur's el-Fasher falls to militia fighters, revenge killings begin

In a biological first, researchers in France have discovered a creature capable of giving birth to an entirely different species. It's more than just the sort of hybrid births that might happen between a donkey and a female horse — making mules. The Mediterranean Harvest Ant actually bears eggs that can develop into two different kinds of ant species: its own, and one of an ant called Messor Structor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a lab in Montpelier, France.

In a biological first, researchers in France have discovered a creature capable of giving birth to an entirely different species. It's more than just the sort of hybrid births that might happen between a donkey and a female horse — making mules. The Mediterranean Harvest Ant actually bears eggs that can develop into two different kinds of ant species: its own, and one of an ant called Messor Structor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a lab in Montpelier, France.

Tiny ant makes big news in the biology field

"This is a unique product that no one in the world has,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday. He was talking about a nuclear-powered cruise missile called the Burevestnik that he says can't be intercepted by US technology. It's been in development for years, but now Putin says the missile has been tested successfully and is ready to be deployed. Experts say the weapon is a response to US plans for building a new missile defense shield to protect North America, something US President Donald Trump is calling the "Golden Dome." The World's Matthew Bell reports.

"This is a unique product that no one in the world has,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday. He was talking about a nuclear-powered cruise missile called the Burevestnik that he says can't be intercepted by US technology. It's been in development for years, but now Putin says the missile has been tested successfully and is ready to be deployed. Experts say the weapon is a response to US plans for building a new missile defense shield to protect North America, something US President Donald Trump is calling the "Golden Dome." The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Kremlin touts new long-range nuclear weapon

Critical minerals — especially the rare earth variety — have been crucial to trade talks since US President Donald Trump returned to office this year. The US has inked mineral deals with countries across the globe. Bolstering access to these minerals used in everything from smartphones to electric cars and military hardware is crucial as the US decouples from China, which has cornered the market on these raw resources. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Critical minerals — especially the rare earth variety — have been crucial to trade talks since US President Donald Trump returned to office this year. The US has inked mineral deals with countries across the globe. Bolstering access to these minerals used in everything from smartphones to electric cars and military hardware is crucial as the US decouples from China, which has cornered the market on these raw resources. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Deal or no deal: Why the US and China are competing for critical minerals

The community of Qoornoq, on a small island about an hour's boat ride from the capital of Nuuk, was shuttered decades ago as part of Danish government efforts to modernize and consolidate Greenland's population. But in recent decades, it's become a summer getaway for former residents and descendants of those who used to live there. The World's Carolyn Beeler visits the island to speak with people there, and learn about the legacy of forced relocation on Greenland.

The community of Qoornoq, on a small island about an hour's boat ride from the capital of Nuuk, was shuttered decades ago as part of Danish government efforts to modernize and consolidate Greenland's population. But in recent decades, it's become a summer getaway for former residents and descendants of those who used to live there. The World's Carolyn Beeler visits the island to speak with people there, and learn about the legacy of forced relocation on Greenland.

Abandoned village in Greenland sees revival

Cameroon has re-elected Paul Biya, the 92-year-old incumbent leader of the country. Only the country's second leader, Biya has led the country for over four decades. The elder statesman faces a number of continuing challenges including language divides, a separatist movement and growing opposition. Host Marco Werman learned more from Julius Amin, a Cameroonian scholar and professor of African history at the University of Dayton, Ohio.

Cameroon has re-elected Paul Biya, the 92-year-old incumbent leader of the country. Only the country's second leader, Biya has led the country for over four decades. The elder statesman faces a number of continuing challenges including language divides, a separatist movement and growing opposition. Host Marco Werman learned more from Julius Amin, a Cameroonian scholar and professor of African history at the University of Dayton, Ohio.

Cameroon's 92-year-old president claims re-election win as protests grow

In Japan, US President Donald Trump met with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. Trump also said he thinks Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be "great." During the first stop in his nearly weeklong trip to Asia, the American president signed a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. But the biggest moment for this trip will be on Thursday. That's when Trump is expected to meet with China's leader Xi Jinping. On Sunday, US officials said they succeeded in hammering out a framework trade arrangement that could prevent an all-out trade war from escalating between the world's two biggest economies. The World's Matthew Bell has more details.

In Japan, US President Donald Trump met with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. Trump also said he thinks Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be "great." During the first stop in his nearly weeklong trip to Asia, the American president signed a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. But the biggest moment for this trip will be on Thursday. That's when Trump is expected to meet with China's leader Xi Jinping. On Sunday, US officials said they succeeded in hammering out a framework trade arrangement that could prevent an all-out trade war from escalating between the world's two biggest economies. The World's Matthew Bell has more details.

As Trump visits East Asia, there's a lot at stake for US allies

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Jamaican climate scientist Michael Taylor tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that in the age of climate change, storms like Melissa are wetter, stronger, slower and more destructive than those of earlier decades, bringing greater human and economic impacts.

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Jamaican climate scientist Michael Taylor tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that in the age of climate change, storms like Melissa are wetter, stronger, slower and more destructive than those of earlier decades, bringing greater human and economic impacts.

How Hurricane Melissa exemplifies storms in the age of global warming

Half of the world's uncontacted peoples could be "wiped out" within a decade, according to a new report from the NGO Survival International. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with the organization's executive director, Caroline Pearce, about the threats facing these people and what needs to be done to protect them.

Half of the world's uncontacted peoples could be "wiped out" within a decade, according to a new report from the NGO Survival International. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with the organization's executive director, Caroline Pearce, about the threats facing these people and what needs to be done to protect them.

New report finds half of world's uncontacted people could disappear in a decade

Ireland has elected a new president, Catherine Connolly, a left-leaning lawmaker who swept to victory in a weekend landslide. Connolly, 68, is known for her outspoken views on everything from the war in Gaza to NATO to Irish unification.  Her role as head of state is largely ceremonial, but opposition parties say her win sends a clear signal that Irish voters want change. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Ireland has elected a new president, Catherine Connolly, a left-leaning lawmaker who swept to victory in a weekend landslide. Connolly, 68, is known for her outspoken views on everything from the war in Gaza to NATO to Irish unification.  Her role as head of state is largely ceremonial, but opposition parties say her win sends a clear signal that Irish voters want change. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.