State of Ukraine

Migrants travel by boat for hundreds of miles from Africa to reach Spain's Canary Islands. After surviving the dangerous crossing, many are stranded for months and unable to work. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In a deeply personal postcard from NPR's Emmanuel Akinwotu, we go the funeral of his venerated grandfather in Nigeria. It was a huge celebration of life, with music and dance. However, the family was confronted with extortion and exploitation at the gravesite. It's an all too common occurrence, one that amplifies the grief of many Nigerians.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli prisons were released into Gaza and the occupied West Bank as part of phase one of the ceasefire deal. All 20 surviving Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas after spending more than two years in captivity in Gaza. We hear reaction from Gaza and Tel Aviv.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The kiwi, an adorable flightless bird from New Zealand, is disappearing, largely because of invasive species brought to the country's islands by humans. So New Zealand has set a goal of exterminating rats, possums and other invasive animals that threaten the country's biodiversity.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano is depicted in Greek and Roman mythology as the entrance to the underworld. Its eruptions thousands of years ago blocked out the sun, turning summer into winter. And now the volcano is stirring in a way it hasn't for centuries. We go to the volcano outside Naples to understand its new activity.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel and Hamas have agreed on the "first phase" of a Gaza ceasefire deal, raising the possibility that the war may now be over. We hear from two of our correspondents in the region who have covered the entire war about the details in the plan and reactions to the announcement in Israel and in Gaza. And an interview with a Israeli man whose cousin's remains are still in Gaza, about how families of hostages are feeling in this moment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We continue our look at the ramifications of the two years of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. We go to southern Lebanon where demolitions and attacks on towns near the boarder with Israel continue even after a cease-fire between the two countries was put in place.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On October 7, 2023, a surprise attack from Hamas-led militants in Gaza became the deadliest day in Israeli history. Israel's ensuing war in Gaza has been the deadliest and most destructive Palestinians have ever endured. We look at the heavy human costs born by Israelis and Palestinians over the last two years. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

France's prime minister resigns with his government having been in power for only 18 hours. The country has had five prime ministers in two years, and the political crisis facing President Emmanuel Macron and a divided parliament is deepening. This uncertainty is having an effect on the European Union's second-largest economy. Our correspondent in Paris explains the situation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The recent controversy in the U.S. over Jimmy Kimmel's show being taken off the air, then restored got two of our correspondents thinking about similar sagas in the countries they cover. In both France and Russia popular political satire shows with puppets ran afoul of those in power and were pushed off the air. We hear from each show's creator about what happened.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Protests in Morocco and Madagascar, two disparate and distant African countries, highlight the younger generation's frustrations over enduring years of poor governance. Our correspondent in Africa tells us these youth movements are fueled by social media and are demanding government accountability.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Colombia we meet marine biologist Elvira Álvarado, known as the “mother of coral”. At 70, she's still diving and pioneering a type of coral IVF to help save endangered reefs.And in China, ride-hailing companies are penalizing drivers for smelly rides. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The United States is no longer providing weapons to Ukraine directly in their fight against Russia, so Ukraine is building their own as fast as they can. Ukraine's president has suggested their weapons industry is advanced enough export their goods to like-minded countries. Our correspondent explores Ukraine's arms industry and views Ukrainian-made weapons on display at a conference held in an unusual place.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end the fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu said he has agreed to the plan for now, but underscored that Israel is ready to keep fighting if Hamas doesn't agree to all the terms. Our reporter was there for the announcement and brings us more details.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Mexico, chile en nogada is the taste of September. But one key ingredient —a candied cactus — is now illegal to buy - because its on the verge of extinction. But as our Mexico correspondent learns, traditions in Mexico are very hard to break.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our reporter in Gaza brings us scenes from Gaza City as Israel attempts to occupy the population center. A hospital courtyard has become a graveyard. And we hear one expert's take on whether recent announcements of countries recognizing a Palestinian state will make a difference in the peace process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the United Nations the day after President Trump reversed his position on the war with Russia, saying Ukraine could win back all the territory it has lost. Meanwhile, Russia's ramped up attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks have included more and more Russian aircraft entering the airspace of NATO countries. NATO has warned future incursions will lead to a more muscular response. We get updates from reporters in New York and Brussels.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the United States it is estimated that more than 218,000 people don't have citizenship — in the U.S. or any other country. This can make all kinds of mundane tasks, like opening a bank account or travelling, difficult to impossible. And with the Trump administration aggressively going after people without legal status to be in the country, many people who are stateless worry about indefinite detention or deportation to a country they have no ties to. We meet some people in this situation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Over the last few days, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France and others recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. It's a recognition Palestinians have been seeking for decades and that Israel says is a gift to Hamas. We get reaction from residents of the Occupied West Bank and from the U.N. General Assembly which is underway in New York.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

U.S. import tariffs have had a noticeable impact on the shrimp industry in India, which until recently was a success story. Our correspondent goes to a coastal Indian town to see how those who depend on shrimp exports for their livelihood are coping. And she learns about the broader effects low shrimp prices in the U.S. have had across the world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Along with the terrible cost in human lives, wars often bring rapid technological innovation and the war in Gaza is no different. More Israeli soldiers' lives have been saved in this war compared to previous wars, thanks to medical advances, new technology and lessons learned on the operating table. We hear about some about some of the medical innovations being made.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The United Nation is holding its annual General Assembly this month as the organization marks 80 years since its founding. But the body created in the aftermath of World War II to save future generations from scourge of war is struggling. With wars in Ukraine and Gaza and now with a Trump administration which wants to reshape the U.S. relationship with the U.N.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel says a new phase of the war in Gaza has begun as troops make a push to takeover and occupy Gaza City. We get an update on the offensive. And for the first time a U.N. panel has found Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, we'll hear from the head of commission that came to that finding.For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/middle-eastLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ahead of a Presidential visit to the United Kingdom this week, we learn about the heritage of Donald Trump's mother, who was born and raised in one of the UK's northernmost islands. Our correspondent takes us to the Scottish island where Mary Ann MacLeod was born and learned English as her second language after Gaelic.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Indian cities are noisy – very noisy. And now drivers are buying louder horns so they can be heard above the din. But that's adding to noise pollution in cities like Mumbai.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the early 1960s, U Thant, a practicing Buddhist from a remote town in Burma, became the first non-Western secretary-general of the United Nations. He immediately faced unfolding crises around the world. We talk with U Thant's grandson about his new book “Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World.”Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More than a dozen Russian drones entered the airspace of Poland, triggering NATO to scramble fighter jets to shoot them down. The drones came as part of a larger wave Russia sent to attack neighboring Ukraine and it was the first time in the history of NATO that alliance fighters engaged enemy aircraft in allied airspace. We get the latest on the incident, and hear about Article 4 of the NATO which Poland has evoked in response. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For the first time, Israel launched an airstrike in Qatar, bombing a building in Doha that houses Hamas political leadership. Israel says the targets were complicit in planning the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and in directing Hamas movements in the war in Gaza. We get reaction from the U.S. and the Mideast region and ask what this development might mean in the effort towards a Gaza cease-fire.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

An Italian boy who died at age fifteen in 2006 becomes the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. He was canonized over the weekend. This saint from the smartphone generation was known for using technology to spread the faith. We go to his tomb in a hilltop village in Italy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration is at war with the drug cartels and a recent deadly strike on a boat from Venezuela was just the beginning. Some countries in Central and South America are expressing unease, while others are willing to partner in the effort- despite questions about the legalities of the administration's actions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian coffee just kicked in — and it's shaking up global supply chains. As American roasters scramble for alternatives, Colombia is cashing in. But how long will the beans — and prices — hold?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

China holds a military parade that is about more that commemorating the end of World War II. We hear about which world leaders attended the ceremony and the message China is trying to convey about its role in the world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Israeli military has begun a push into Gaza City, with an expected ground invasion and forcible evacuation of nearly a million people living there. Many residents are already fleeing. But with the vast majority of Gaza declared off-limits by Israel, where are refugees able to go? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this encore episode, we hear about the return of wolves to Europe.  After being hunted to near extinction, they have made a population comeback in recent decades with the help of conservation efforts. Now, the country with the most wolves in Europe is Italy. Our correspondent in Rome sets out for the Italian forest with an organization that takes small groups to try to see wolves in the wild.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Europe is the world's fastest warming continent with temperatures there increasing at twice the average global rate. That is melting Europe's glaciers, which may disappear by the end of the century, forever altering the continent's rivers with ripple effects on shipping. We go to the water's source in the Swiss Alps to understand the changes taking place.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban took control, China stepped in with a sizable investment to develop oil fields. But now the Afghan Government has cut the contract and the Chinese firm says the Taliban took some of its workers hostage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, UNICEF estimates that more than 50,000 Palestinian children have been killed or injured. We meet a doctor in nearby Lebanon where he and his team are racing to heal the handful of kids they can reach.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President Trump has made clear he's interested in ending the war Russia has waged on Ukraine. After a flurry of diplomatic meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a variety of European leaders, is the prospect of peace near? We hear from NPR's correspondent in Moscow and a national security correspondent from the New York Times on whether progress has been made.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Ireland, the Catholic Church once ran homes for unwed mothers. Until recently the church dominated life there and pregnancy outside marriage was considered shameful. Behind one of these homes a ghastly discovery has recently been made and is now being unearthed. It was a secret most people in the town knew about, but no one took any action until recently. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A U.N. backed panel of experts declares a famine in the northern part of Gaza, the first time there has been a confirmed famine in the Middle East. We hear about the conditions that lead to the declaration. And Hamas has endorsed a new proposal for a ceasefire with Israel, while Israel is threatening a new assault into Gaza City. We hear about the pressure Hamas is facing from Arab countries while it seeks to ensure its own survival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

After banning a pro-Palestinian protest group and labeling members terrorists, the UK has been arresting hundreds of protesters at weekly rallies, mostly elderly people. Critics say it endangers freedom of speech and assembly. And Mexico City is not known for its tropical fruits. But climate change is causing some surprising things to grow in local gardens.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the Gaza Strip thousands of exhausted, hungry people seek meager food at a distribution site in the north. Those lucky enough to get one of the sacks of white flour given out are called “white walkers”, a reference to zombie-like characters in the television show "Game of Thrones". But many leave empty-handed and simply seeking the food aid is dangerous and often deadly. We go to one of these sites to see the dangers hungry Palestinians will face in search of food.You can see a short video version of this report here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy