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. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

Philippines National Police officers have been told to shape up or be shipped off the force. The country’s top cop announced he’s giving overweight officers a one-year deadline to meet physical standards — or else. Many precincts are starting group workouts several days a week along with occasional lessons on proper dieting. Dave Grunebaum reports from a neighborhood just outside Manilla.

Philippines National Police officers have been told to shape up or be shipped off the force. The country’s top cop announced he’s giving overweight officers a one-year deadline to meet physical standards — or else. Many precincts are starting group workouts several days a week along with occasional lessons on proper dieting. Dave Grunebaum reports from a neighborhood just outside Manilla.

Philippines police force faces obesity in its ranks

The Pentagon signed an agreement in April to deploy American troops to former US military bases in Panama. Panama bans foreign countries’ bases on its soil and the decision has helped to fuel months of protests. This, along with US President Donald Trump's threats to take the canal back by force, has many Panamanians concerned. Nate Halverson, with the PRX program Reveal, reports from Panama.

The Pentagon signed an agreement in April to deploy American troops to former US military bases in Panama. Panama bans foreign countries’ bases on its soil and the decision has helped to fuel months of protests. This, along with US President Donald Trump's threats to take the canal back by force, has many Panamanians concerned. Nate Halverson, with the PRX program Reveal, reports from Panama.

Panamanians nervous about Trump talk of taking back the Panama Canal

The textile industry generates an estimated 92 million tons of waste every year — equivalent to a garbage truck full of clothing every second. But in the backstreets of Istanbul's garment districts, "deadstock" wholesalers give surplus fabric a second life. The World's Durrie Bouscaren meets the creators of OhSevenDays.

The textile industry generates an estimated 92 million tons of waste every year — equivalent to a garbage truck full of clothing every second. But in the backstreets of Istanbul's garment districts, "deadstock" wholesalers give surplus fabric a second life. The World's Durrie Bouscaren meets the creators of OhSevenDays.

In a hub for fast fashion, textile waste becomes sustainable design

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler run down a few stories in the news that you might have missed.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler run down a few stories in the news that you might have missed.

Things you might have missed

Ahead of a global meeting to negotiate the final steps of an international plastics treaty, The Lancet medical journal has published a comprehensive analysis of the impact plastic has on our health — at every step from production to disposal. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with study author Dr. Philip Landrigan about the findings.

Ahead of a global meeting to negotiate the final steps of an international plastics treaty, The Lancet medical journal has published a comprehensive analysis of the impact plastic has on our health — at every step from production to disposal. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with study author Dr. Philip Landrigan about the findings.

New study looks at health impacts throughout the life cycle of plastic

An alpaca by the name of Hawthornden Wainui has just been recognized as the oldest living alpaca in captivity. He's 27 years old; alpacas typically live 15 to 20 years. So, this fellow is quite elderly. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the farmer who's raised him has a theory about the key to the animal's remarkable longevity.

An alpaca by the name of Hawthornden Wainui has just been recognized as the oldest living alpaca in captivity. He's 27 years old; alpacas typically live 15 to 20 years. So, this fellow is quite elderly. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the farmer who's raised him has a theory about the key to the animal's remarkable longevity.

New Zealand alpaca makes Guinness Book of World Records

Hong Kong authorities on Monday intensified a crackdown on 16 overseas-based activists. They're suspected of endangering national security, and the government has implemented measures that include banning financial support to them and canceling passports for most of them. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Hong Kong authorities on Monday intensified a crackdown on 16 overseas-based activists. They're suspected of endangering national security, and the government has implemented measures that include banning financial support to them and canceling passports for most of them. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Hong Kong revokes passports of activists

In Augsburg, Germany, the world’s oldest affordable housing project may have the world’s lowest rent: just 88 euro cents a year, or $1. The Fuggerei is a 500-year-old complex of gabled brick apartments and garden squares, built by 16th-century copper baron Jakob Fugger at a time when families in need of housing were usually left to fend for themselves. Valerie Hamilton reports.

In Augsburg, Germany, the world’s oldest affordable housing project may have the world’s lowest rent: just 88 euro cents a year, or $1. The Fuggerei is a 500-year-old complex of gabled brick apartments and garden squares, built by 16th-century copper baron Jakob Fugger at a time when families in need of housing were usually left to fend for themselves. Valerie Hamilton reports.

World's oldest affordable housing project costs just $1 per year

Ex-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. The trial, unfolding while she remains in a secure safe house in India, is reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape and raising questions about justice, accountability and regional diplomacy. From Dhaka, Zafar Sobhan, the editor of Bangladeshi news site Counterpoint, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Ex-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. The trial, unfolding while she remains in a secure safe house in India, is reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape and raising questions about justice, accountability and regional diplomacy. From Dhaka, Zafar Sobhan, the editor of Bangladeshi news site Counterpoint, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Exiled, absent, accused: The trial of Bangladesh's deposed leader

Wacken Open Air is the biggest heavy metal festival in the world. It attracts more than 80,000 attendees each year — that's 40 times the population of the village of Wacken in Germany, where the festival takes place. Metalheads of all stripes descend upon the village every year for a long weekend of headbanging and debauchery. Host Carolyn Beeler tells us all about it.

Wacken Open Air is the biggest heavy metal festival in the world. It attracts more than 80,000 attendees each year — that's 40 times the population of the village of Wacken in Germany, where the festival takes place. Metalheads of all stripes descend upon the village every year for a long weekend of headbanging and debauchery. Host Carolyn Beeler tells us all about it.

German village dwarfed by heavy metal festival

The Spanish Commission for Refugees, which exists to protect the rights of those who arrive in the country, also works in projects around social exclusion. Recently, its refugee soccer team was officially recognized and embraced by the Spanish Olympic Committee. Made up of migrants from all over the world, the team plays in a local league in Madrid in the hope that, through soccer, locals and refugees can build a better understanding. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Ashish Sharma has the story.

The Spanish Commission for Refugees, which exists to protect the rights of those who arrive in the country, also works in projects around social exclusion. Recently, its refugee soccer team was officially recognized and embraced by the Spanish Olympic Committee. Made up of migrants from all over the world, the team plays in a local league in Madrid in the hope that, through soccer, locals and refugees can build a better understanding. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Ashish Sharma has the story.

Soccer league brings locals and refugees together in Madrid

When President Donald Trump dismantled USAID this year, relief materials got stranded around the world. In Belgium, nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies in Africa have been languishing in a warehouse. Aid groups have offered to deliver the material for free. But the US says it prefers to incinerate the supplies. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

When President Donald Trump dismantled USAID this year, relief materials got stranded around the world. In Belgium, nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies in Africa have been languishing in a warehouse. Aid groups have offered to deliver the material for free. But the US says it prefers to incinerate the supplies. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Aid groups try to save USAID contraceptives stuck in Belgium

It came as a big surprise when Catholic cardinals picked an American to be the successor of Pope Francis back in early May. But as Leo XIV begins his papacy, he's offered few — if any — real surprises as the new head of the Catholic Church. In many ways, Pope Leo has picked up where Francis left off. He's talked about ending wars, protecting the environment, helping migrants and refugees. That's been reassuring for progressive Catholics. But Leo has also impressed Catholic conservatives. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

It came as a big surprise when Catholic cardinals picked an American to be the successor of Pope Francis back in early May. But as Leo XIV begins his papacy, he's offered few — if any — real surprises as the new head of the Catholic Church. In many ways, Pope Leo has picked up where Francis left off. He's talked about ending wars, protecting the environment, helping migrants and refugees. That's been reassuring for progressive Catholics. But Leo has also impressed Catholic conservatives. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Pope Leo steps onto the global stage, with caution and consistency

The Florida Panthers won the NHL's coveted Stanley Cup this year. Now, the trophy is on its annual 100-day summer tour to visit the winning players and staff members' hometowns. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.

The Florida Panthers won the NHL's coveted Stanley Cup this year. Now, the trophy is on its annual 100-day summer tour to visit the winning players and staff members' hometowns. The World's Bianca Hillier has the story.

NHL players may be in the off season, but the Stanley Cup is busier than ever

A new study has found surprisingly high rates of long-COVID in Ethiopia and Uganda. Of about 2,000 participants, more than two-thirds were found to struggle with long-term complications from an initial COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the study found that many of these people thought they had malaria, not long-COVID, because the symptoms are similar. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Dr. Jane Achan in Uganda, who led the study.

A new study has found surprisingly high rates of long-COVID in Ethiopia and Uganda. Of about 2,000 participants, more than two-thirds were found to struggle with long-term complications from an initial COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the study found that many of these people thought they had malaria, not long-COVID, because the symptoms are similar. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Dr. Jane Achan in Uganda, who led the study.

High rates of long-COVID identified in Ethiopia and Uganda

The president of Peru is considering signing a bill that would grant amnesty to people accused of crimes during a period of violence in the 1980s and '90s. More than 70,000 people were killed during a government campaign against two rebel groups. Human rights activists are concerned the bill will stop the progress Peru has made in seeking accountability. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Charles Walker in Peru about what this all means.

The president of Peru is considering signing a bill that would grant amnesty to people accused of crimes during a period of violence in the 1980s and '90s. More than 70,000 people were killed during a government campaign against two rebel groups. Human rights activists are concerned the bill will stop the progress Peru has made in seeking accountability. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Charles Walker in Peru about what this all means.

Peru considering amnesty for human rights violations

Landslides triggered by heavy rains are a recurring nightmare in India's hilly areas. In terms of lives lost, India is the worst-affected in the world. And scientists say that extreme rainfall linked to climate change is making them more intense. Scientists are developing an early warning system that would use real-time weather data, ground sensors and satellite imagery to issue alerts and bulletins. Sushmita Pathak has our report.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains are a recurring nightmare in India's hilly areas. In terms of lives lost, India is the worst-affected in the world. And scientists say that extreme rainfall linked to climate change is making them more intense. Scientists are developing an early warning system that would use real-time weather data, ground sensors and satellite imagery to issue alerts and bulletins. Sushmita Pathak has our report.

How India is bracing for landslides amid a challenging climate

With a few strokes of a big black marker, Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to start up new tariffs on dozens of countries. While the move follows last-minute deals with a handful of partners, economist Niclas Poitiers told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that those agreements are unlikely to last and tariffs have only sowed more uncertainty in the global economy. Poitiers is a research fellow at Bruegel, an economics think tank based in Brussels.

With a few strokes of a big black marker, Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to start up new tariffs on dozens of countries. While the move follows last-minute deals with a handful of partners, economist Niclas Poitiers told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that those agreements are unlikely to last and tariffs have only sowed more uncertainty in the global economy. Poitiers is a research fellow at Bruegel, an economics think tank based in Brussels.

The sweeping impacts of Trump's new tariffs

Australia is known for really big things, and really unusual wildlife, and a newly discovered stick insect ticks both boxes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler describe acrophylla alta, now thought to be the heaviest insect in Australia.

Australia is known for really big things, and really unusual wildlife, and a newly discovered stick insect ticks both boxes. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler describe acrophylla alta, now thought to be the heaviest insect in Australia.

Australia's newly discovered unusual wildlife

The 2025 World Aquatics Championships will wrap up on Sunday in Singapore. The event has already seen multiple historic moments, including a new record set in the men's 200-meter individual medley, and a 12-year-old becoming the youngest swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships. Summer McIntosh is currently on track to win five gold medals for individual events. If she achieves that goal, she'll be the first swimmer since Michael Phelps to do so. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

The 2025 World Aquatics Championships will wrap up on Sunday in Singapore. The event has already seen multiple historic moments, including a new record set in the men's 200-meter individual medley, and a 12-year-old becoming the youngest swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships. Summer McIntosh is currently on track to win five gold medals for individual events. If she achieves that goal, she'll be the first swimmer since Michael Phelps to do so. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

The swimmers making waves at the World Aquatics Championships

Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down today after less than a year in the job. He's denied any wrongdoing but said that scandals are hindering the government's work. Several media outlets published investigations this month about Paluckas’ past and present ventures, as Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down today after less than a year in the job. He's denied any wrongdoing but said that scandals are hindering the government's work. Several media outlets published investigations this month about Paluckas’ past and present ventures, as Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Lithuania's prime minister resigns

Digital services are fundamental to smooth-running modern societies, but some countries are utilizing them better than others. Estonia is a digital pioneer, with 100% of its government services available online. Germany, not so much. Ben Bathke from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, reports on what Germany and the rest of Europe could learn from Baltics Best Practice.

Digital services are fundamental to smooth-running modern societies, but some countries are utilizing them better than others. Estonia is a digital pioneer, with 100% of its government services available online. Germany, not so much. Ben Bathke from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, reports on what Germany and the rest of Europe could learn from Baltics Best Practice.

Estonia's digital example

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a look at some stories in the news that you might have missed.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a look at some stories in the news that you might have missed.

Things you might have missed in the news

Near the picturesque, mountainous region of Cappadocia in Turkey, an Alevi community is experiencing a profound rebirth. After a hiatus of 60 years, an Alevi village has reopened its "cemevi" — a vital place of worship for a community that is an offshoot of Islam in Turkey and the Balkans. Ozge Sebzeci reports from Turkey.

Near the picturesque, mountainous region of Cappadocia in Turkey, an Alevi community is experiencing a profound rebirth. After a hiatus of 60 years, an Alevi village has reopened its "cemevi" — a vital place of worship for a community that is an offshoot of Islam in Turkey and the Balkans. Ozge Sebzeci reports from Turkey.

The Alevi community rebuilds in a small Turkish village

In recent days, three US allies — France, the UK and Canada — have said they’re prepared to recognize a Palestinian state. The announcements have revived talk of a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Host Marco Werman discusses the implications with two scholars from divergent backgrounds: Mira Sucharov of Carleton University in Ottawa and Omar Dajani, a Palestinian American professor of law at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

In recent days, three US allies — France, the UK and Canada — have said they’re prepared to recognize a Palestinian state. The announcements have revived talk of a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Host Marco Werman discusses the implications with two scholars from divergent backgrounds: Mira Sucharov of Carleton University in Ottawa and Omar Dajani, a Palestinian American professor of law at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

What Palestinian statehood recognition could mean: two perspectives

Climate change is making the Indian monsoon more and more unpredictable, with longer dry spells interrupted by intense bursts of rainfall. This shift toward short, heavy downpours rather than steady rain over several days, is causing frequent flooding and waterlogging in cities. Rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure and the loss of natural drainage, like wetlands and open spaces, have worsened the problem. Sushmita Pathak reports from New Delhi on efforts to manage the impacts of changing monsoons.

Climate change is making the Indian monsoon more and more unpredictable, with longer dry spells interrupted by intense bursts of rainfall. This shift toward short, heavy downpours rather than steady rain over several days, is causing frequent flooding and waterlogging in cities. Rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure and the loss of natural drainage, like wetlands and open spaces, have worsened the problem. Sushmita Pathak reports from New Delhi on efforts to manage the impacts of changing monsoons.

Urban India floods as climate change disrupts the monsoon season

Cambodia is calmer this week following a truce with Thailand. The two countries have been battling over parts of their shared border — a clash involving artillery shells raining down and even airstrikes. Many in Cambodia hope the fighting stops for good. The nation’s countryside is already strewn with landmines and unexploded bombs left behind by older wars. Clearing those explosives is still a daily job for brave men and women. Luckily, they have a little help from some very little creatures: rats who sniff out mines. The World's Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Cambodia is calmer this week following a truce with Thailand. The two countries have been battling over parts of their shared border — a clash involving artillery shells raining down and even airstrikes. Many in Cambodia hope the fighting stops for good. The nation’s countryside is already strewn with landmines and unexploded bombs left behind by older wars. Clearing those explosives is still a daily job for brave men and women. Luckily, they have a little help from some very little creatures: rats who sniff out mines. The World's Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

In Cambodia, rats sniff bombs and save lives

A massive earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and as far south as Chile. Host Marco Werman speaks with expert Harold Tobin at the University of Washington about the science of earthquakes, tsunamis and what caused this particular event.

A massive earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and as far south as Chile. Host Marco Werman speaks with expert Harold Tobin at the University of Washington about the science of earthquakes, tsunamis and what caused this particular event.

A look at the science behind earthquakes and tsunamis

The Royal Albert Hall, one of London's most prestigious concert venues, has been sued by three of its members. Members are people who privately own seats in the auditorium. They automatically get tickets to most performances there, but a 1966 law allows the hall to exclude them from a third of them. Some members say they've been excluded from more performances than the rules allow. A judge denied their original request for financial compensation and ruled that the dispute should go to trial. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

The Royal Albert Hall, one of London's most prestigious concert venues, has been sued by three of its members. Members are people who privately own seats in the auditorium. They automatically get tickets to most performances there, but a 1966 law allows the hall to exclude them from a third of them. Some members say they've been excluded from more performances than the rules allow. A judge denied their original request for financial compensation and ruled that the dispute should go to trial. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Royal Albert Hall on trial

Fires are raging in Spain, Portugal and Greece, but have proven most deadly in western Turkey this summer. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from the countryside outside the city of Bursa on how climate change is making wildfire season a new reality in a region known for ample rainfall.

Fires are raging in Spain, Portugal and Greece, but have proven most deadly in western Turkey this summer. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from the countryside outside the city of Bursa on how climate change is making wildfire season a new reality in a region known for ample rainfall.