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
Celebrating the US’s 250th birthday with a melting pot of music
As the United States marks its 250th birthday, The World celebrates by listening to the music that’s been woven into the fabric of this country's story. Russian-born Serge Grin sings American country music and blues across Serbia. Also, Cuban American Gloria Estefan looks back at her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter. And, a look at how the band Los Lobos ce
Russia launches deadly overnight attack in Ukraine
Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. Also, from Mexico to Spain, a crackdown on fake soccer jerseys. And, the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. Plus, a look at Filipino Americans embracing the the
Rift emerges in Catholic Church after splinter group ordains its own bishops
A rift in the Catholic Church is coming to a head today after a breakaway group of ultra-conservative clergy, called the Society of St. Pius X, consecrated bishops without Vatican approval. Also, an update from Syria, where people are still waiting for justice and a better economy. And, UN plastics talks resume a year after negotiations collapsed. Plus, a listen to the best soccer song fr
Venezuelans take quake rescue efforts into their own hands
In the absence of help from officials, volunteers across Venezuela are turning their skills into disaster relief. Also, a conversation about how global odor pollution may be affecting plants, pollinators and entire ecosystems. And, after a stunning World Cup defeat of the German team, we break down what penalty shootouts actually are. Plus, immigration courtroom “angels” who help people u
Little relief in sight in fight against new Ebola strain
The new Bundibugyo strain is the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak ever, with over a thousand cases detected and more than 300 deaths in just one month in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Also, protests in Albania against plans for a multi-million-dollar luxury tourism development backed by Jared Kushner have expanded to include other grievances. And, a look at how Chinese immigran
Venezuelans search the rubble as earthquake toll rises
The official death toll from Venezuela’s back-to-back earthquakes has climbed to around 600, with thousands injured and more than 50,000 reported still missing. Also, we take a look at what motivates countries to become mediators. And, the overlooked role of Indigenous people during the American Revolution. Plus, a vacation offer for healthcare workers in Canada that turned out to be a ph
Rescuers search for survivors as Venezuela reels from twin earthquakes
The government of Venezuela has declared a national emergency as the death toll climbs from two earthquakes and rescuers attempt to dig people out of the rubble. The quakes hit a country already weakened by years of economic collapse, strained healthcare and political disruption. Also, the 2026-2027 Census in India is being conducted mainly by women. And, new analysis finds an increase in
Iran expands its campaign against dissidents living abroad
Activists and human rights groups abroad say the Iranian government is going after their loved ones inside Iran, arresting and intimidating them. They say it also goes after their assets, properties and bank accounts. Also, a new UN report charges Israel with deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian youth. And, a rare peek at an endangered flower in southern Kyrgyzstan. Plus, archae
Europe facing a heat wave crisis
Western Europe is in the midst of a severe heat wave, with the temperature in Paris hovering close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. An estimated 45 people have already died in France as a result, many from drowning while trying to cool off. Also, a look at how Brexit continues to shape British politics a decade later. And, US funding cuts to South Africa could risk an HIV/AIDS rebound. Plus, a
Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, less than two years after taking office. His resignation makes him the latest in a series of short-lived UK leaders, with the country now set to see its seventh prime minister in 10 years. Also, in Colombia, a conservative pro-Trump lawyer won the country’s presidential election on Sunday, as expected, but by only 1%. And, officials in t
Juneteenth Special
June 19, now recognized as the federal holiday Juneteenth, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom. In The World’s Juneteenth special, we examine racial inequalities in higher education in India and South Africa, and consider who benefits from a college education. We also visit Louisiana to explore how the history and legacy
US-Iran deal faces its first test on the Israel-Lebanon border
The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting, but Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk. Also, the EU is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years, with reforms designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. An
US and Iran prepare to sign a deal after months of war
Leaders from the US and Iran will meet in Geneva Friday to sign an agreement ending months of fighting. Also, a major hang-up to the Iran deal is Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. And, anti-immigration groups in South Africa are stepping up vigilante-style actions aimed at pressuring migrants to leave their country. Plus, Colombia’s national soccer jersey turns political.Our reportin
‘Middle powers' may be having a moment at the G7 summit
Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged countries caught between the world's superpowers to work together and forge a "third path." Now, as leaders gather for the G7 summit in France, questions remain about whether Carney can translate that vision into real influence. Also, a US airstrike on a compound in Venezuela that killed the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang las
Iranians reflect on what a potential US deal means
During the initial phase of the current US-Israeli war with Iran, some Iranians hoped that the attacks would lead to regime change in their country. Now, with a potential deal between Tehran and Washington, Iranians reflect on what the war actually achieved. Also, for the first time, scientists have mapped the vast networks of fungi that run beneath the Earth's surface. And, a discussion
Swiss referendum to decide on world's first population cap
Switzerland could become the first country in the world to put a legal cap on its population. In a referendum this weekend, voters will decide whether to limit the country's population to 10 million people — which currently stands at 9.1 million. Also, today marks one year since an Air India flight bound for London crashed, killing all but one of the 260 people onboard, but a much-anticip
Is the world trapped in an era of forever wars?
A new report out this week shows conflicts between nations have now surged to their highest level since World War II. Meanwhile, protracted conflict in the Middle East suggests the world may be entering into an era in which states increasingly remain in perpetual confrontation without crossing into all-out war. Also, FIFA World Cup host Mexico will play in its first match, going toe-to-t
Anti-immigrant riots break out in Belfast neighborhoods
Violent anti-immigrant riots erupted in Belfast in Northern Ireland last night, in response to a viral video showing a stabbing attack perpetrated by a Sudanese national. Masked protesters burned down houses and torched cars, sending some families fleeing, and others into hiding. Also, local officials in southern Iran say the US has struck a water reservoir there, leaving thousands of peo
Chinese leader wraps up two-day visit to North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un played host to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week. It's the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea in seven years and follows two high-profile meetings in Beijing between Xi and the leaders of the US and Russia. Also, Taliban forces in Afghanistan have fired on protesters as women face increasing arrests and detention for leaving their homes
Armenia's pro-West party wins election, pivoting from Russia
Armenia’s pro-Western prime minister secured an election victory today, despite a pressure campaign from Russia. Also, Mexico’s World Cup has become a platform for many protests, including teachers, mothers searching for their disappeared children, anti-gentrification groups and others. And, shipping groups are issuing new safety guidance to their vessels as the Strait of Hormuz remains t
Peruvians prepare to vote in runoff election
Voters in Peru head to the polls this weekend for a runoff presidential election, with one key issue stemming from a wave of extortion that has surged in recent years. Also, a look at why Iran has conditioned a ceasefire with the US with an end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. And, some criminal groups in Mexico are eyeing profits from the World Cup games. Plus, a
Symbolic Tiananmen anniversary acts met with police intervention in Hong Kong
Today marks 37 years since Chinese troops opened fire on peaceful protestors in Tiananmen Square. But in Hong Kong, even symbolic acts have caught police attention. Also, a look at the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. And, Marjane Satrapi, the Iranian author famous for her graphic novel “Persepolis,” has died at the age of 56. Plus, Kenya is a powerhouse when it
Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans sparks backlash
Kenyan protesters are demonstrating against plans to build a quarantine center in Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to Ebola. Critics say it exposes Kenyans to risk, without offering them the same protections provided to US citizens. Also, a new study has found multiple types of microbes preserved in the body of Otzi, the iceman mummified in a glacier from the Copper Age, whic
Putin’s advisors suggest freezing Ukraine's front line and 'declaring a triumph'
Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield stalls. Also, police in Paris suspend dozens of school assistants in more than 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. And, Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado says she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expresses confidence that the country will eme
The case of Alex Saab and how corruption shaped Venezuela's collapse
Alex Saab, one of ousted President Nicolás Maduro’s most important fixers, is back in US custody for the second time. His case helps explain how corruption in Venezuela moved from state contracts into daily life. Also, Alberta's premier has announced that a referendum will be held in October, asking voters in the province whether they wish to remain part of Canada, or begin the legal proc
How pro-Iran groups use LEGO animations as a propaganda tool
AI-generated LEGO videos have become one of the most unexpected propaganda tools in the current Iran war. The clips use humor, memes and video-game-style animation to mock global leaders, while pushing pro-Iran narratives online. Also, residents flee north as Israel strikes Lebanon, including the historic city of Tyre. And, Brazil’s government plans to invest $75 million to pave and impro
Ebola response slowed down by distrust and testing delays
Lack of healthcare infrastructure and distrust of authorities are challenging efforts to confront the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. Also, more trials begin for former Syrian officials involved in torturing their own citizens. And, rising geopolitical tensions complicate an already fragile dynamic in Cyprus. Plus, NASA announces plans to create a permanent presence
Longest internet shutdown in modern history may be over
After a months-long blackout, Iran has begun restoring internet access in the country. Iranians are appearing back online, posting about how the cut-off has impacted their lives. Also, it’s being described as Ireland’s “George Floyd moment” after 35-year-old Yves Sakila, originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, died in Dublin earlier this month after being restrained by several secur
Pope Leo apologizes for Catholic Church's past support for slavery
Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical Monday, outlining his priorities in leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. While the focus of "Magnificent Humanity" was heavily on his concerns about AI, the pontiff also apologized for one of the Church's historic wrongs: supporting the slave trade. Also, Colombia has faced a dramatic increase in violence in the weeks leading up to its pres
Peacemakers: People bridging divides and helping others
This Memorial Day special highlights peacemakers and people helping others around the world, including those who bridge divides, feed strangers and hold space for grief. We look at volunteers in France helping college students with groceries. Also, the “Designing Peace” exhibit at a museum in New York. And, a group of monks from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple walking for peace. Plus, a look
