
The World
PRI
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.
Location:
Boston, MA
Networks:
PRI
Description:
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.
Twitter:
@pritheworld
Language:
English
Contact:
617-300-5750
Website:
http://www.theworld.org/
Email:
theworld@pri.org
Episodes
US suggest reclaiming control of Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base
9/19/2025
During his state visit to the UK, President Donald Trump expressed interest in the US reclaiming Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which is now in the hands of the Taliban and would likely require negotiations to retake. Also, a look at the status of democracy in Turkey as opposition mayors remain in jail. And, the US has now destroyed three ships off the coast of Venezuela, claiming they were tied to drug cartels; we look at the legal arguments around the airstrikes. Plus, new data from the World Meteorological Organization finds that the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica is continuing to heal, and is expected to close entirely by mid-century.
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Duration:00:50:34
On Trump state visit to the UK, the two leaders agree to disagree
9/18/2025
US President Donald Trump wrapped up his historic state visit to the United Kingdom today. He and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters that they discussed major international crises, but the two leaders did not present any new solutions for Gaza, Ukraine or global migration. Also, the Trump administration’s policies are driving away international students from the US. And, Israel’s strike on Hamas’ political leadership in Qatar last week has raised alarms in Gulf capitals, with the countries questioning US protection guarantees. Plus, a look at what happens when cellphones are banned from classrooms.
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Duration:00:50:30
Chinese EVs flood the market across major Southeast Asian cities
9/17/2025
From Jakarta to Bangkok, new and unknown brands of Chinese electric vehicles have been cruising around major Southeast Asian cities over the past two years. Also, Shell and Exxon Mobil are suing the Dutch government over the closure of a major gas field over payouts to residents for damages tied to extraction. And, a new 72-page UN report released this week finds there are reasonable grounds to conclude Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts as defined under international law since 2023. Plus, we find out which Peruvian dish won the World Breakfast Cup.
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Duration:00:50:33
US strikes second Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean
9/16/2025
The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels but has offered no evidence. Amid the saber-rattling between Caracas and Washington, we hear what Venezuelans are saying. Also, voters in Malawi head to the polls as their country faces a tanking economy. And, the IDF unleashes a new military ground offensive into Gaza City, as the UN declares that Israel is commingling a genocide in Gaza. Plus, a cheating scandal at the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland.
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Duration:00:49:30
Tens of thousands attend anti-immigrant rally in London
9/15/2025
Over the weekend in London, more than 100,000 people took to the streets for the anti-immigrant "Unite the Kingdom" rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, featuring Elon Musk as a guest speaker. Also, Syria holds its first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. And, a first-of-its-kind agreement to deal with overfishing around the world goes into effect. Plus, a look back at the 1881 global tour of the last king of Hawaii.
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Duration:00:50:15
Bolsonaro convicted and sentenced to prison in Brazil's landmark ruling
9/12/2025
Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. Also, Lithuania remains on edge as Russia and Belarus hold joint military drills. And, a look at how a five-day strike by tube operators, London’s subway system, caused rush hour chaos across the city. Plus, Albania rolls out the world's first AI-powered government minister.
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Duration:00:50:56
Divisions within Greenland's independence movement
9/11/2025
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It’s reignited passions in the territory on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Also, a government commission in Peru has voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. And, a rapper who was born in Greece to Ghanaian parents calls out Greece’s lack of birthright citizenship as “racist.” Plus, the Women's International Motorcycle Association celebrates 75 years on the open road.
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Duration:00:50:32
NATO condemns drone incursions into Polish airspace
9/10/2025
Last night, more than a dozen drones believed to be from Russia flew into Poland’s airspace, and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation, the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. Also, 24 years after the 9/11 attacks, the detention center at Guantanamo Bay remains open, despite promises by former presidents to shut it down. And, divers have successfully removed a single, abandoned fishing net, one of the largest pieces of so-called "ghost gear" ever recorded, from a marine-protected area off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Plus, a look back at an initiative in the UK that normalizes support for parents of newborns.
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Duration:00:51:04
Israel attempts to assassinate Hamas leadership in Qatar
9/9/2025
Israel today attacked an apartment in Doha, Qatar, where the top leaders of Hamas were meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal. Israel claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had notified the Trump administration ahead of the strikes, which the White House called an “unfortunate incident” that did not advance peace in the region. Also, scientists say fresh water deep under the ocean floor could alleviate growing water scarcity. And, Nepal's prime minister resigns after 22 people were killed in over two days of protests. Plus, two friends who started the “Loose Ends” organization match a growing roster of volunteer knitters with those who have unfinished projects.
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Duration:00:51:00
Social media ban sparks deadly protests in Nepal
9/8/2025
At least 17 people have died in Nepal's capital Kathmandu after clashes with police. Tens of thousands took to the streets across the country to protest a government ban on dozens of social media platforms. Also, Ethiopia is set to formally inaugurate the massive and controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. And, a Palestinian-Israeli actor takes to the stage to dive into the chaos of identity, truth and family life. Plus, ecologists push for wildlife crossings to provide crucial routes for animals across the globe.
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Duration:00:50:18
North Korean leader spends a successful week in Beijing
9/5/2025
When Chinese Leader Xi Jinping attended this week's massive military parade in Beijing, he arrived with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. It was one of many wins for Kim, who wants to be accepted on the global stage as the leader of a normal nation, instead of a global pariah. Also, Jamaica’s incumbent Prime Minister Andrew Holness wins a third term in office. And, India finds that its rising rabies rates can be traced back to a decline in the country's vulture population. Plus, one of São Paulo’s largest favelas launches its own community-run delivery service.
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Duration:00:50:17
US expands military action in the southern Caribbean
9/4/2025
Trump administration officials are talking about more military strikes against suspected drug gangs in the southern Caribbean. This follows a US attack on a small boat from Venezuela that President Donald Trump says killed 11 "narcoterrorists." Also, a new patient safety initiative dubbed “Martha’s Rule” rolls out across hospitals in England. And, the world's largest iceberg that’s been drifting in the Antarctic for a decade is disappearing. Plus, elite athletes swim 124 miles of the River Thames to raise awareness for clean bathing waters in the UK.
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Duration:00:48:34
Leaders of China, Russia, North Korea send a message to the West
9/3/2025
Chinese Leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un stand together to watch a massive military parade roll through Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in an act of solidarity against the West. Also, a deadly landslide in western Sudan highlights the challenges of getting aid to conflict zones. And, Gaza war tests historic alliance between Germany and Israel. Plus, a class at Yale University uses rapper Bad Bunny's music to study Puerto Rico and colonialism.
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Duration:00:50:08
Aid groups scramble to help survivors of Afghanistan earthquake
9/2/2025
Search and rescue operations continue in eastern Afghanistan after Sunday’s deadly earthquake. Also, mothers in Mexico continue to search for their missing children. And, childhood vaccination rates are slumping in the United Kingdom. Plus, an acclaimed 8-hour music composition known as “Sleep” celebrates 10 years by touring in the UK with a live all-night affair, playing for audiences snuggled up in bed, wearing comfy clothes for dozing.
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Duration:00:49:57
Education Special: The value of American higher education
9/1/2025
Our Labor Day special offers an in-depth examination of the value of an American higher education for international students and the challenges they now face in studying in the US, amid new visa restrictions. We also hear about American faculty and researchers faced with funding cuts and a potential brain drain. In this edition, we travel to India, Europe and Africa. We hear the story of a Kenyan woman who benefited from a computer science education in Illinois and brought computer literacy back to her community. And, two sisters from a family of Afghan refugees have the opportunity to steer the course of their education and lives in the United States, something that would have been impossible in their homeland.
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Duration:00:50:52
Discussions over sexism after photos of Italian PM found on porn site
8/29/2025
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” after altered photos of her and other women were found on an Italian pornographic website. Also, a look at the Lebanese government’s plans to disarm Hezbollah. And, New Orleans is still learning from the lessons of Hurricane Katrina 20 years later, finding some help from Dutch engineers. Plus, a conversation about the latest album of Chilean band Calle Mambo.
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Duration:00:50:45
Russia conducts massive overnight strike on Kyiv
8/28/2025
Russia's massive attack on Ukraine’s capital kills at least 19 people and injures many dozens more. Ukrainians grapple with heading to shelters or riding out incoming attacks. Also, UN officials see no end in sight for conflict in both Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, protests by Israelis are on the rise. And, Greenland wants a new international airport to boost tourism. Plus, images of lions, cobras and sloths are among the winners of this year’s Wildlife Photography competition.
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Duration:00:49:48
Global mail deliveries to the US in limbo due to tariffs
8/27/2025
Some foreign shippers are suspending US package deliveries, as a customs tax exemption for low-value goods comes to an end this Friday. Also, a look at the status of the Russian mercenary force Wagner Group’s operations in Mali. And, new mouth guards with flashing lights may be able to alert rugby players of potential concussions. Plus, Istanbul’s free public orchard allows visitors to pick their own produce.
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Duration:00:50:56
Widespread condemnation for Israeli strikes on hospital that kill more journalists
8/26/2025
Israel fired two missiles at another hospital in Gaza yesterday that killed 20 people, including five journalists. Israel says it was a mistake but the attacks have sparked global condemnation. Also, a look at sleeplessness in war zones — from Gaza to Ukraine. And, India bans online gambling. Plus, a look at musical collaboration between Ukrainian, Moldovan and Russian artists.
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Duration:00:49:15
Brazilians debate what democracy means for their country
8/25/2025
As Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest, Brazilians are debating what justice, accountability and democracy really mean. Also, South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung is in Washington for his first White House meeting with US President Donald Trump. And, tensions escalate as the US sends warships to waters off the coast of Venezuela and thousands of Venezuelans sign up to join the country’s civilian militia in response. Plus, Lithuania hosts a corgi competition, complete with costume contests, time trials and races.
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Duration:00:49:11