
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
Listen on a live station
Episodes
80 years since US nuclear bombing of Hiroshima
8/6/2025
Today marks 80 years since the first use of a nuclear weapon during wartime — the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Also, political parties in Israel who represent the Ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, are incensed over legislation forcing them to join the army, something they’ve thus far been exempt from. And, a lack of rain and soaring temperatures have stressed Tehran’s infrastructure to the breaking point as a drought and heat wave intensify in Iran. Plus, Italy hopes to build the longest suspension bridge in the world.
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Duration:00:50:03
Brazil's Bolsonaro under house arrest
8/5/2025
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest on charges of masterminding a coup to overturn the country's 2022 election. Also, the reinterpretation by AI of a popular movie in India sparks debate. And, a retired US military officer discusses his firsthand experience at the controversial food distribution sites run by the joint US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Plus, attempts to convince Thai society to embrace a traditionally reviled lizard.
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Duration:00:49:36
Trial begins in absentia for former Bangladesh prime minister
8/4/2025
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing a landmark trial in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity. The charges are linked to the 2024 student protests that toppled her government. Also, a new report looks at health impacts throughout the life cycle of plastic ahead of a global meeting to negotiate the final steps of an international plastics treaty. And, wholesalers in Istanbul, Turkey, give surplus fabric a second life. Plus, New Zealand recognizes the world’s oldest alpaca in captivity.
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Duration:00:50:04
Sweeping impacts of new Trump tariffs on global economy
8/1/2025
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to start up new tariffs on dozens of countries, sowing more uncertainty in the global economy. Also, scientists are developing an early warning system as heavy rains induced by climate change trigger more landslides in India. And, a new study finds surprisingly high rates of long-COVID in Ethiopia and Uganda. Plus, the largest heavy metal festival in the world kicks of in a small village in Germany.
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Duration:00:51:19
Climate change disrupts monsoon season in India
7/31/2025
Climate change is making the Indian monsoon more unpredictable, causing frequent flooding and waterlogging in cities, with additional factors worsening the problem. Also, Lithuania's prime minister steps down after denying any wrongdoing but saying that scandals are hindering the government's work. And, a discussion about growing calls for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution. Plus, some swimmers are making waves at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.
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Duration:00:50:27
The science of earthquakes and tsunamis
7/30/2025
A massive earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and as far south as Chile. We look at the science behind the phenomena. Also, cyberattacks have surged across European hospitals, disrupting vital patient care. And, dermatologists warn that skin lightening products, particularly used across sub-Saharan Africa, may be increasing people’s risk of getting skin cancer. Plus, some artifacts point to an ancient writing system that was once used by women in Zambia.
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Duration:00:50:20
Former Colombian president convicted on witness tampering charges
7/29/2025
A court in Colombia has convicted former President Álvaro Uribe on witness tampering charges. To some Colombians, Uribe is a national hero, while others view him as a ruthless strongman who undermined their democracy. Also, military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire after clashes erupted along their shared border last week. And, controversy over the Brazilian government serving shark meat in schools and at hospitals nationwide. Plus, using the ancient Shinto spiritual practice of forest bathing from Japan to deal with global crises.
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Duration:00:48:38
Mexico City celebrates 700 years since the founding of Tenochtitlan
7/28/2025
Mexico City marks seven centuries since the founding of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital buried beneath the modern metropolis. Also, France reverses a ban, reintroducing a controversial pesticide, despite the largest citizen signature campaign in French history calling to keep it off farms after research has shown it can devastate honeybee colonies. And, amid protests in Tel Aviv and under international pressure, Israel airdrops some aid and establishes safe corridors for assistance in Gaza. Plus, some YouTubers have turned the stress of travel into a game.
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Duration:00:47:54
How drones are reshaping modern warfare
7/25/2025
Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone strikes yesterday after peace talks failed in Turkey. Drones have taken on a pivotal role in that war, and are also reshaping modern warfare around the globe. Also, Turkish firms are on track to sell more than $8 billion dollars in military hardware this year, a new record for the country. And, young people in Togo are protesting against a recent government move to consolidate power for the country's leader. Plus, South African musician Bakithi Kumalo, who is known for his bass playing, is all over Paul Simon's seminal album “Graceland.”
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Duration:00:49:54
The Country In Our Hearts: Episode 4
7/24/2025
WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.
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Duration:00:46:21
The Country In Our Hearts: Episode 3
7/24/2025
WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.
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Duration:00:40:44
The Country In Our Hearts: Episode 2
7/24/2025
WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.
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Duration:00:40:23
The Country In Our Hearts: Episode 1
7/24/2025
WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.
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Duration:00:39:50
Mass starvation is gripping the Gaza Strip
7/24/2025
After four months of near-total siege by Israel, people in Gaza are starving. According to the UN, at least 1 in 3 people are going multiple days without eating and death from hunger is on the rise. Also, after weeks of tensions, clashes have erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over pieces of contested territory along their shared border. And, a conversation about the definition of antisemitism, especially as it intersects with criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Plus, a look at how solar fuel could help decarbonize aviation.
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Duration:00:50:54
Finding solutions to the international law crisis
7/23/2025
In the second segment of our two-part story, we look at solutions addressing the crisis facing the implementation of international law. Also, the ICJ has ruled that countries have a responsibility to address climate change. And, protesters take to the streets of the Ukraine’s capital against a law weakening anti-graft agencies. Plus, archeologists and local historians have identified a shipwreck on a Scottish island as the Earl of Chatham, a British navy vessel-turned-Arctic whaling ship.
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Duration:00:49:32
Experts concerned over the state of international law
7/22/2025
A number of scholars and experts say they have never been more concerned about the state of international law. Also, the UK has prohibited institutions from paying ransomware hackers without consulting the government first. And, climate change, which is altering ecosystems around the world, also comes with a financial cost. Plus, the number of Indigenous evangelical churches in Ecuador is growing.
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Duration:00:49:18
Far-right ‘Japanese First’ party gains seats in elections
7/21/2025
Japan's elections on Sunday saw the country's ruling Liberal Democratic Party lose its longstanding majority, while a far-right nationalist “Japanese First” party gained ground. Also, vaccine rates are stalling, and even declining, around the globe. And, China begins construction on what’s set to be the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, raising concerns from its neighbors and NGOs. Plus, Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade tours the US and talks about navigating identity and belonging through her music.
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Duration:00:49:32
Expulsion of Chinese student for allegedly dating foreigner sparks debate
7/18/2025
A Chinese university has expelled a female student over her allegedly dating a foreigner. The move has sparked debate on Chinese social media about gender bias and nationalism. Also, the death of a famous skydiver in Italy raises questions about what drives extreme athletes despite the dangers. And, the British government plans new laws to curb the resale of performance tickets at sky-high prices. Plus, we look at why a Danish bookstore owner decided to keep boxes of books that were bound for Kenya.
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Duration:00:49:18
Far-right groups in Spain fuel anti-immigrant rioting
7/17/2025
A small farm town in southeast Spain has seen three nights of rioting. After a group of young Moroccans allegedly assaulted an elderly man, far-right protestors descended on Torre Pacheco to "hunt immigrants." Also, the UK is planning to lower its voting age to 16 in time for the next general election. And, the world's oldest marathoner dies in his hometown in India in a hit-and-run incident. Plus, scientists identify the world’s newest — and rarest — blood type.
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Duration:00:48:36
Syrian government and Druze leaders announce ceasefire as Israel continues strikes
7/16/2025
Israeli airstrikes hit a military compound and other targets near the Syrian presidential palace this morning. Meanwhile, Syria’s interim government and Druze leaders have agreed to a ceasefire amid unrest in the country. Also, Australia's prime minister is visiting China to reset relations after years of tensions between the two countries. And, bread beetles have infested about a quarter of a 400,000-volume collection of historical books in Hungary. Plus, affirmative action is deemed a success at universities in Brazil.
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Duration:00:48:20