The World
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.
Episodes
Europe toughens migration rules are ‘weaponized’ Spanish incident denied by Morocco
Many people in Europe think the Moroccan government was involved in the large border crossing in July, when almost 80,000 people entered Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave. Morocco denies this. Also, in Turkey, the prime minister has ordered police to crack down on LGBTQ+ communities in Istanbul, leading to many raids and arrests under obscenity laws to “protect families.” Syria once ha
European Union proposes Canada become an "associate member"
Canada and the European Union want to strengthen their alliance and broader trade ties. This week, the president of the European Parliament proposed making Canada an "associate member" of the bloc. Also, Mexican authorities are investigating a string of clandestine cryptocurrency mines after discovering more than 1,000 mining machines in a remote part of Puebla, apparently powered with st
21 killed in Gaza building collapse. Rescue workers continue to search.
In Gaza today, rescue teams comb through rubble, searching desperately for survivors after a war-damaged building gave way. The death toll has climbed to at least 21, a Gaza Health Ministry official reports. Also, Israel's prime minister has vowed to introduce a law stripping citizenship from those accused of defaming the nation's army. And, in Nepal, flood survivors with disabilities str
Russian disinformation networks gear up for midterms
The Kremlin’s history of election meddling is entering a new era, as artificial intelligence arms Russia with sharper, more elusive tools for interference in the US midterm elections. Also, global measles cases have surged by 8% since 2019. And, the Trump administration is tightening the rules for international students, shortening the time they can stay before needing to reapply for a vi
Iran-backed Houthis make major gains in Yemen that could further choke trade
In Yemen, the Houthis, a rebel group supported by Iran, have taken more strategic territory along the Red Sea. This now includes islands in the middle of the narrowest part of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key route for over a tenth of global trade. Also, in Germany, police arrested a man last week suspected of planning and carrying out sabotage against the country’s electricity network, ap
Remembering the 9/11 attacks 25 years later
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. We hear from a variety of voices remembering that day and its aftermath. A documentary photographer discusses one of her iconic photos. A former Guantanamo Bay prison detainee who was never charged talks about his experience. We highlight the profiles of victims who died at Ground Zero. Plus, a look at a
As Nepal recovers, people seek to prepare for the next disaster
A look at what could have been done better to prevent thousands of flooding deaths in Nepal. Also, a 9/11 widow helps Afghan widows. And, a former employee at the AI company Anthropic has warned on social media that the technology could “kill us all” by 2030, though others dispute the claim. Plus, the organic waste processing method that’s sparked a social movement in Colombia.
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Spain's far-right moves closer to power
A coalition between Spain’s Populist, anti-immigrant Vox party with the center-right Popular Party could move the country closer to the far-right than ever before. Also, with the US military focused on its war with Iran, we look at how prepared Washington is to defend its Pacific allies. And, a delegation from Jamaica asks King Charles to seek guidance on whether Britain is obligated to p
Decoding the causes of the Nepal-Tibet flooding disaster
Flooding is common in Nepal, but the avalanche that triggered water and debris to surge down the Trishuli River was of an entirely different magnitude. We take a look at the causes behind the disaster. Also, a small village in France that’s become a popular place for students to learn about Chinese history. And, an art detective talks about how "smash and grab"-style museum heists have be
Labor Day Special: The US celebrates 250 years
As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it’s been 250 years since the nation was founded. We look at a defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence promoting “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that was meant to resonate beyond the US. Also, a conversation about how the US’ current political fault lines have colonial roots. And, a discussion about the role No
Latest updates from flood rescue efforts in Nepal
In Nepal today, some welcome but unexpected news as two survivors were rescued — alive — from the tunnel of a hydropower plant, some nine days after getting trapped by devastating floods. Also, the Spanish Women's Football League has announced it will subsidize the procedure for players on the national team to freeze their eggs. And, Giorgia Meloni becomes Italy’s longest continuously ser
Intelligence report alleges Morocco provoked Ceuta migration crisis
A new intelligence report alleges that the Moroccan government masterminded the recent migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Also, heat, drought and war have disrupted the global food supply, hiking food prices. And, after trade talks between the US and Canada fell apart, Canadians are fighting back with boycotts of American alcohol and other products. Plus, a look at Gloria S
Nepal's daunting road to flood recovery
The World reports from on the ground in one of the hardest-hit districts of Nepal from recent flooding. Also, tributes honoring the former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladić, who died last week while serving a life sentence at The Hague for genocide and war crimes, have caused outrage across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina. And, Mexico pushes back against the FDA narrative that a major Cy
Colombians search for their fighters killed in Ukraine
Families of Colombian veterans, who traveled to Ukraine and Russia to fight in the war between the two countries, are now searching for their loved ones who have disappeared on the battlefield, or whose bodies remain thousands of miles away. Also, as the fighting in Sudan continues, the warring sides are seeking more foreign backing. And, boycotts of American alcohol are boosting Canadian
Nepal tries to rescue trapped hydropower workers
Nearly a thousand of the people unaccounted for following the catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet are Nepali hydropower workers. Hundreds of them are thought to be alive but trapped in tunnels and infrastructure buried by mud and debris. Also, Spain’s smallest island is seeking independence to slow the influx of tourism. And, key details of an oil deal between the US and Venezuela re
Could Russia and Trump push Iceland closer to the EU?
Iceland has long kept the EU at arm’s length. But Russia’s war in Ukraine and President Trump’s threats to take control of Greenland have prompted a rethink, with growing calls for Iceland to move closer to the bloc. Also, it’s been a tense week in Haiti after nearly 50 people were killed and over 50 more were kidnapped in a coordinated gang attack in a town outside the capital, Port-au-P
Rescue efforts continue after flash flooding in Nepal
Devastating flash floods have killed more than 350 people near Nepal's border with Tibet. But the death toll remains fluid, with some 1,000 people still unaccounted for. Also, wildfires have raged for weeks in Indonesia, with smoke spreading into neighboring countries. And, former Serbian General Ratko Mladic, known as the "Butcher of Bosnia," has died at the age of 84 in a prison hospita
Venezuela's latest negotiations create cautious optimism
Venezuela’s government and opposition are negotiating again — and this time, analysts say the country may have its best chance in years at a democratic transition. Also, flash floods triggered by an ice avalanche have left hundreds of people missing in Nepal along its border with Tibet. And, 2,000 robots participated in a Humanoid Robotics competition this week in China. Plus, a global tr
US tightens its sanctions on Iran
The US has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, shipping, weapons and financial networks. Also, Washington has removed Syria from its “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list, paving the way for more foreign investment. And, Colombia’s president is calling for a major immigration crackdown, one that would largely affect Venezuelan immigrants. Plus, a thousand Japanese people
Singapore to pay parents to boost declining birth rate
Singapore has announced plans to offer parents $55,000 per child to encourage people to have more children. Also, the pope joins Spain in calling for a more humanitarian approach to migrants. And, physical activity hasn’t increased globally in two decades. Plus, what hospitals could sound like in the future.
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Spain says not all Ceuta migrants will be deported to Morocco
The Spanish government has announced it will move 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls from its North African enclave to shelters on the mainland, where they'll be safer, as extreme-right groups across Europe capitalize on the controversy. Also, the US war with Iran is testing one of the UAE’s most important economic propositions: a stable, globally connected hub even as conflict unfolds arou
UK to hold first 'National Day Recognizing Victims and Survivors of Terrorism'
Britain will hold its first "National Day Recognizing Victims and Survivors of Terrorism" on Friday. Also, a gas leak at a dockyard in southern Bangladesh that killed eight people while they were dismantling a ship highlights the dangers and costs of the ship breaking industry for both people and the local environment. And, a new documentary, “American Doctor,” looks at the harrowing jour
Ukrainian official probed for corruption amid calls for elections
An anti-corruption investigation reaching into the highest ranks of Ukraine’s government and a former defense minister’s call for elections are adding to political tensions in Kyiv. Also, how AI is changing the way information about conflicts gets out, not just by creating fake images, but by making it harder to know what’s real. And, a restaurant 7,500 feet up in the Italian Dolomites is
Pentagon vows to expand Latin America boat bombing campaign inland
The US military has been conducting deadly strikes on boats it says are carrying drugs off the coast of Latin America. Now, the US Defense Department says it's expanding that maritime campaign to land. Also, the death of Jason Arday, a Black professor at the University of Cambridge, has sparked a debate in Britain over the media scrutiny he faced in the weeks leading up to his death. And,
US scales back military drills with South Korea
US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, given his “very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.” Also, campaigns for this year's presidential election in Brazil have begun, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva running against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of his former rival. And, Swiss rivers and
Afghan women’s voices under five years of Taliban rule
An Afghan activist who ran the last remaining safe house and shelter for abused women in Kabul until it was forced to shutter last December is still doing her best to voice the aspirations of Afghan girls and women; but she’s wondering if it’s now time to leave. Also, a group of female bird guides in Uganda set a global example for the business. And, a city in Thailand that’s taken over b
Israeli settlers increase attacks in the West Bank
Israeli settlers have increased their attacks in the occupied West Bank sparking fears of violence spiraling out of control. Also, Europeans gathered in Spain to watch a solar eclipse — the first there in over a century. And, a cafe in Japan that helps procrastinators to get their work done. Plus, a book all about the history of rope.
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Colombia continues earthquake recovery efforts
Cali, Colombia, was hit hard by this week's earthquake, and now, a mix of local and regional rescue teams are on the ground trying to find people in the rubble. Also, a look at the origin and uncertain future of Temporary Protected Status in the US. And, a conversation about immigrants dealing with hyphenated identities. Plus, a secret language created by Chinese women hundreds of years a
Deposed Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother were sentenced to death in absentia by a Damascus court today, nearly two years after rebels forced them to seek exile in Russia. Also, at least 179 people have been killed and thousands more remain missing after a massive earthquake in Colombia. And, Europe’s new biometric border system has been causing chaos at some airport
Netanyahu rejects US-backed peace plan for Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza this weekend. Also, how Shenzhen, China, became the electric car capital of the world. And, a look at why the Czech capital has voted to reinstate the statue of a 19th century military commander. Plus, cars resembling quirky objects are part of a public health intervention in India.
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