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.

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.

Wildfires fueled by climate change ravage Mediterranean

The market for skin lightening products continues to expand, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa. Now, dermatologists on the continent are issuing a new warning: Beyond previously identified health concerns, individuals using these bleaching products may be increasing their risk of skin cancer. Dr. Ncoza Dlova, head of dermatology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, discusses her study exploring this critical link with Host Marco Werman.

The market for skin lightening products continues to expand, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa. Now, dermatologists on the continent are issuing a new warning: Beyond previously identified health concerns, individuals using these bleaching products may be increasing their risk of skin cancer. Dr. Ncoza Dlova, head of dermatology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, discusses her study exploring this critical link with Host Marco Werman.

Skin lightening products popular in Africa increase cancer risks

Important global stories sometimes fly under the radar. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman review a few things you might have missed.

Important global stories sometimes fly under the radar. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman review a few things you might have missed.

A few things you might have missed

Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks while scaling a mountain in northern Pakistan. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks while scaling a mountain in northern Pakistan. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

German biathlete dies in climbing accident

Hospitals across Europe are increasingly under siege from cybercriminals, and experts say the threat is only growing. A surge in ransomware attacks is disrupting healthcare services, locking staff out of critical systems and delaying potentially life-saving treatments. Aging technology and underfunded cybersecurity are part of the problem, but experts warn that private healthcare providers in the US may unwittingly be making the situation worse for everyone. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hospitals across Europe are increasingly under siege from cybercriminals, and experts say the threat is only growing. A surge in ransomware attacks is disrupting healthcare services, locking staff out of critical systems and delaying potentially life-saving treatments. Aging technology and underfunded cybersecurity are part of the problem, but experts warn that private healthcare providers in the US may unwittingly be making the situation worse for everyone. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Cyberattacks surge across Europe's hospitals, disrupting patient care

Early Wednesday morning, one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded hit Russia's east coast, sparking tsunami warnings as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Close by in Japan, the 8.8-magnitude quake triggered emergency sirens and memories of the devastating 2011 tsunami. Host Marco Werman speaks with Moe Miyake, a 22-year-old studying environment and information studies at Keio University. She lives with her parents in Chigasaki on Japan's Pacific coast.

Early Wednesday morning, one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded hit Russia's east coast, sparking tsunami warnings as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Close by in Japan, the 8.8-magnitude quake triggered emergency sirens and memories of the devastating 2011 tsunami. Host Marco Werman speaks with Moe Miyake, a 22-year-old studying environment and information studies at Keio University. She lives with her parents in Chigasaki on Japan's Pacific coast.

8.8-magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Japan

Geometric patterns on cloth and symbols etched into sacred masks are what experts believe are part of an ancient writing system once used by women in Zambia. The artifacts are located at the National Museum of World Culture in Sweden. Recently, the curators in Stockholm invited a group of Zambian women to help decipher their meaning and the communities that used them. Samba Yonga is among them. She's co-founder of the virtual Women's History Museum of Zambia and spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Geometric patterns on cloth and symbols etched into sacred masks are what experts believe are part of an ancient writing system once used by women in Zambia. The artifacts are located at the National Museum of World Culture in Sweden. Recently, the curators in Stockholm invited a group of Zambian women to help decipher their meaning and the communities that used them. Samba Yonga is among them. She's co-founder of the virtual Women's History Museum of Zambia and spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Deciphering Zambian artifacts one object at a time

In British Columbia, a coalition of Indigenous communities is trying to help forests recover from wildfires. The Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS) uses traditional practices to plant a mix of native trees, shrubs and other vegetation, aiming to restore balance to the ecosystem and make it more resilient to future fires. The coalition emerged out of some of the most devastating fire seasons in western Canada. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with SRSS CEO Angela Kane about the impact of this work.

In British Columbia, a coalition of Indigenous communities is trying to help forests recover from wildfires. The Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS) uses traditional practices to plant a mix of native trees, shrubs and other vegetation, aiming to restore balance to the ecosystem and make it more resilient to future fires. The coalition emerged out of some of the most devastating fire seasons in western Canada. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with SRSS CEO Angela Kane about the impact of this work.

Indigenous fire recovery in Canada

Military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia say they're stepping back from the brink. A border conflict erupted last week. It quickly displaced tens of thousands of civilians and killed at least three dozen people. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on Monday, but it wasn't clear if the truce would hold. Today, senior commanders from both countries emerged from meetings and said they would stop fighting immediately. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia say they're stepping back from the brink. A border conflict erupted last week. It quickly displaced tens of thousands of civilians and killed at least three dozen people. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on Monday, but it wasn't clear if the truce would hold. Today, senior commanders from both countries emerged from meetings and said they would stop fighting immediately. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

A ceasefire on the Thai-Cambodia border is taking hold

The operator of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan said today that another 12 to 15 years of prep work is needed before they can start removing debris from the Number 3 reactor. At least 880 tons of melted nuclear fuel has mixed with broken structural components inside the three reactors that melted down. But TEPCO, the plant's operator, says it will stick to the goal of decommissioning Fukushima by 2051. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The operator of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan said today that another 12 to 15 years of prep work is needed before they can start removing debris from the Number 3 reactor. At least 880 tons of melted nuclear fuel has mixed with broken structural components inside the three reactors that melted down. But TEPCO, the plant's operator, says it will stick to the goal of decommissioning Fukushima by 2051. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.