The World

A program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Ukrainian firefighter speaks about ‘constant stress’ of being a first responder

As Russia often targets Ukrainian apartment buildings and gathering places, firefighters are typically the first people to arrive after an attack. First responders themselves can be targets. The World’s Daniel Ofman meets a young Ukrainian firefighter who risks his life to save others and finds out what he does to stay strong.

Large group of Indian farmers sitting on a green ground outside

‘We are helpless’: Protesting farmers in India pose challenges — and demands — to Modi

‘I am representing the Palestinian minority’: Palestinian Israeli politician on the future for both sides of the war and US role

‘I have to work to help my family’: Child laborers in Raqqa face dangerous conditions

For Palestinians, a grim reality in Gaza obscures the future

A woman wearing a light blue blouse with a black blazer sitting down next to an Israeli flag

‘Our main goal is to bring our family members back to Israel’ Israeli MP says

Host Marco Werman is in the Middle East this week to gauge the mood of both Israelis and Palestinians six months after the war between Israel and Hamas began. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 200 people hostage. Israel hit back with strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the death toll there has been mounting, including thousands of children. Host Marco Werman spoke with Sharren Haskel, of the New Hope party and member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset for her thoughts on the status of the war today.

Man cuts quartz in factory.

Lungs of stone: How Silica has sickened a generation of quartz cutters

Quartz is used for countertops in millions of homes around the world — the manmade stone is popular for its beauty and durability. But for workers who make, cut and install quartz counters, it can be deadly. The World reported from Turkey, Spain and Australia — three stops along the quartz countertop supply chain — to learn more about silicosis, an incurable and often fatal lung disease caused by inhaling dust laden with excessive amounts of a mineral called silica.

Man taking photo of self in mirror with a desert background

Out of Eden Walk: Cyprus

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek tells host Carolyn Beeler about his first stop after having walked through the Middle East. On Cyprus he found beaches slathered with baking Russians and Brits, a busy port city and a checkerboard of olive groves and yellow hay fields. But he also found the vestigial border line that divides the island’s Greek and Turkish communities.

Mazatlán draws a lot of tourists — mainly from Mexico —  who come for the beaches, great food and a party scene. But thanks to the April 8 total eclipse, thousands came from all over the world, including many scientists and astronomy enthusiasts. 

A total solar eclipse in Mazatlán draws thousands of international tourists 

A total solar eclipse made its way across Mexico, the US and Canada on April 8. The city of Mazatlán, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, was the first place in continental North America on the path of totality, and more than half a million people traveled there to see it. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports on how residents and visitors have experienced the celestial event. 

Rows of people kneeling in prayer

Tens of thousands attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

On April 5, the final Friday in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan this year — a special time for Muslims worldwide — more than 3,500 Israeli police were deployed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Here, an estimated 57,000 Muslims attended Friday prayers.