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 long-awaited torch of the Olympic Games arrives by ship in the southern French port city of Marseille. Also, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca says its ceasing sales of its COVID-19 vaccines. The company says its vaccine saved millions of lives globally but demand is now low. And, a look at what a pause in shipment of weapons destined from the US to Israel means. Plus, the Luminous Stars centers providing mental health care for orphaned children in Iraq.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

The long-awaited torch of the Olympic Games arrives by ship in the southern French port city of Marseille. Also, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca says its ceasing sales of its COVID-19 vaccines. The company says its vaccine saved millions of lives globally but demand is now low. And, a look at what a pause in shipment of weapons destined from the US to Israel means. Plus, the Luminous Stars centers providing mental health care for orphaned children in Iraq.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

The long-awaited torch of the Olympic Games arrives by ship in the southern French port city of Marseille.

Olympic torch arrives in Marseille

France declared a state of emergency in its Pacific Islands territory of New Caledonia. At least three Indigenous Kanak people and two police officers have been killed in violence that began Monday night over a proposed amendment to the French constitution that expands French citizens’ eligibility to vote in the archipelago's local elections. And, the US military says the first aid shipment has arrived in the Gaza Strip via a floating pier off the coast of the territory. Humanitarian aid officials say basic necessities are desperately needed in Gaza. But the pier is also a sign of a failure in US-Israeli cooperation. Also,  nearly a week after flash floods caused by heavy rain, devastated villages in northern Afghanistan, survivors are struggling with basic needs like shelter and food. The floods left at least 300 dead and many are still missing. Plus, the Vatican adopts new laws to evaluate supernatural phenomena.

France declared a state of emergency in its Pacific Islands territory of New Caledonia. At least three Indigenous Kanak people and two police officers have been killed in violence that began Monday night over a proposed amendment to the French constitution that expands French citizens’ eligibility to vote in the archipelago's local elections. And, the US military says the first aid shipment has arrived in the Gaza Strip via a floating pier off the coast of the territory. Humanitarian aid officials say basic necessities are desperately needed in Gaza. But the pier is also a sign of a failure in US-Israeli cooperation. Also,  nearly a week after flash floods caused by heavy rain, devastated villages in northern Afghanistan, survivors are struggling with basic needs like shelter and food. The floods left at least 300 dead and many are still missing. Plus, the Vatican adopts new laws to evaluate supernatural phenomena.

Upheaval in New Caledonia

Migrants heading from South America to the United States must cross a treacherous jungle known as the Darien Gap. To prepare for the perils ahead, people embarking on that journey now turn to their phones for crucial information. Enter a new social media influencer: documenting the route, and offering survival do's and don'ts for those who come. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet again. In their talks, the two leaders condemned the United States, and embraced one another's causes. That includes Chinese support for Russia in the war in Ukraine. And it's been described as the "United Nations of sweat": a spa, in Brooklyn, that brings together wellness and relaxation traditions from around the globe. We'll take you there. Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

Migrants heading from South America to the United States must cross a treacherous jungle known as the Darien Gap. To prepare for the perils ahead, people embarking on that journey now turn to their phones for crucial information. Enter a new social media influencer: documenting the route, and offering survival do's and don'ts for those who come. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet again. In their talks, the two leaders condemned the United States, and embraced one another's causes. That includes Chinese support for Russia in the war in Ukraine. And it's been described as the "United Nations of sweat": a spa, in Brooklyn, that brings together wellness and relaxation traditions from around the globe. We'll take you there. 
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

In China visit, Putin pushes for closer trade and energy ties 

Georgia’s parliament has passed a “foreign agents” bill. Tens of thousands of people have gone out to the streets to protest in the capital city of Tblisi. The bill is modeled after a similar law in Russia. Plus, the Israel-Egypt peace treaty has been a linchpin of stability in the Middle East for the last 45 years. The war in Gaza may be putting that agreement at risk. And, three women from Saudi Arabia are facing political consequences for social media posts. One has fled the country, another is in prison and the third faces a travel ban. And they're sisters. So, what happened to promises of new freedoms for women in the kingdom? Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

Georgia’s parliament has passed a “foreign agents” bill. Tens of thousands of people have gone out to the streets to protest in the capital city of Tblisi. The bill is modeled after a similar law in Russia. Plus, the Israel-Egypt peace treaty has been a linchpin of stability in the Middle East for the last 45 years. The war in Gaza may be putting that agreement at risk. And, three women from Saudi Arabia are facing political consequences for social media posts. One has fled the country, another is in prison and the third faces a travel ban. And they're sisters. So, what happened to promises of new freedoms for women in the kingdom? 
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

Georgia passes 'foreign agents' bill

In Canada, the embers from last year's record-setting fires smoldered under the ground's surface through the cold winter months, never quite going out completely. The fires, known as zombie fires or overwintering fires, have returned. Also,  Azerbaijan and Armenia are engaged in peace talks after Azerbaijan’s military seized Nagorno-Karabakh in September, displacing tens of thousands of Armenians. But many Armenians are not happy with the talks. And, the Cannes Film Festival begins on Tuesday, and this year's event lands in France at the same time as the #MeToo movement. France comes late to the movement that brings women's stories of sexual harassment and assault to the forefront. Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

In Canada, the embers from last year's record-setting fires smoldered under the ground's surface through the cold winter months, never quite going out completely. The fires, known as zombie fires or overwintering fires, have returned. Also,  Azerbaijan and Armenia are engaged in peace talks after Azerbaijan’s military seized Nagorno-Karabakh in September, displacing tens of thousands of Armenians. But many Armenians are not happy with the talks. And, the Cannes Film Festival begins on Tuesday, and this year's event lands in France at the same time as the #MeToo movement. France comes late to the movement that brings women's stories of sexual harassment and assault to the forefront. 
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan conduct peace talks amid mass protests in Yerevan

In Mexico, Mother's Day was a sad reminder for the mothers of more 116,000 people reported missing there. But, in a rare exception, officials managed to find the bodies of three missing foreigners from Australia and the US in less than a week. Plus, athletes have been announced for the refugee team slated to compete in the Summer Olympics in Paris. And you probably saw pictures of the Northern Lights online this past weekend. In fact, the photographs might have surpassed what you saw with the naked eye. We'll find out why.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

In Mexico, Mother's Day was a sad reminder for the mothers of more 116,000 people reported missing there. But, in a rare exception, officials managed to find the bodies of three missing foreigners from Australia and the US in less than a week. Plus, athletes have been announced for the refugee team slated to compete in the Summer Olympics in Paris. And you probably saw pictures of the Northern Lights online this past weekend. In fact, the photographs might have surpassed what you saw with the naked eye. We'll find out why.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

In Mexico, bodies of 3 missing foreigners discovered in less than a week 

Pope Francis delivers the official declaration for the Catholic Church's upcoming 2025 Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event for Catholics that goes back to the 14th century. Also, as part of reestablishing ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia wants the US to help it build a civilian nuclear program. And, a look at the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as Israeli troops position themselves to enter Rafah. Plus, a Somali rapper who went from being an unemployed immigrant to a rap star in the UAE.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

Pope Francis delivers the official declaration for the Catholic Church's upcoming 2025 Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event for Catholics that goes back to the 14th century. Also, as part of reestablishing ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia wants the US to help it build a civilian nuclear program. And, a look at the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as Israeli troops position themselves to enter Rafah. Plus, a Somali rapper who went from being an unemployed immigrant to a rap star in the UAE.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

Pope Francis delivers the official declaration for the Catholic Church's upcoming 2025 Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event for Catholics that goes back to the 14th century.

Catholic Church prepares for its 2025 Jubilee

Russia marks Victory Day with pomp and circumstance and a chance to show off its power and strength. Also, many Nigerians are calling on the government to bring back fuel subsidies as oil prices rise. And, a discussion about the value of written language after a teacher in the UK finds a stone inscribed with ancient Ogham writing from Ireland. Plus, a new gallery in New York City is holding one of the largest showings of African contemporary art in the world.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

Russia marks Victory Day with pomp and circumstance and a chance to show off its power and strength. Also, many Nigerians are calling on the government to bring back fuel subsidies as oil prices rise. And, a discussion about the value of written language after a teacher in the UK finds a stone inscribed with ancient Ogham writing from Ireland. Plus, a new gallery in New York City is holding one of the largest showings of African contemporary art in the world.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

Russia marks Victory Day with pomp and circumstance and a chance to show off its power and strength.

Russia marks Victory Day with pomp and circumstance

A group of Americans who had been stranded in desert camps in northeastern Syria for years arrived back in the US on Tuesday. Also, water supplies in Mexico’s capital are at a historic low because of a combination of low rainfall, rising temperatures and outdated infrastructure. And, the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah, where 1.4 million people are sheltering, and now controls the main border crossing with Egypt. It came as Hamas offered a counterproposal for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. Plus, whale researchers have turned to computer scientists to analyze the clicks made by sperm whales in the Caribbean.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

A group of Americans who had been stranded in desert camps in northeastern Syria for years arrived back in the US on Tuesday. Also, water supplies in Mexico’s capital are at a historic low because of a combination of low rainfall, rising temperatures and outdated infrastructure. And, the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah, where 1.4 million people are sheltering, and now controls the main border crossing with Egypt. It came as Hamas offered a counterproposal for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. Plus, whale researchers have turned to computer scientists to analyze the clicks made by sperm whales in the Caribbean.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!

American women and children in Syrian detention camps return to the US

In a statement, Hamas said it would approve the Qatari-Egyptian ceasefire proposal. Israel and the US say they are reviewing the deal. It's not the same one that was under consideration 10 days ago. For the people sheltering in Gaza, in the city of Rafah, we'll bring a ground-level perspective on the fast-changing situation, as well as a window into how civilians are navigating the uncertainty. Plus, the largest election in history is currently underway in India, with nearly a billion people casting ballots. They trek by foot, by boat and even on the backs of elephants. And, a North Korean defector wants visitors to the demilitarized zone to understand what his life in North Korea was like. There are the negatives but also the positives.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? <a href="https://on.prx.org/3QjetXE">Donate today</a> to keep The World going strong!

In a statement, Hamas said it would approve the Qatari-Egyptian ceasefire proposal. Israel and the US say they are reviewing the deal. It's not the same one that was under consideration 10 days ago. For the people sheltering in Gaza, in the city of Rafah, we'll bring a ground-level perspective on the fast-changing situation, as well as a window into how civilians are navigating the uncertainty. Plus, the largest election in history is currently underway in India, with nearly a billion people casting ballots. They trek by foot, by boat and even on the backs of elephants. And, a North Korean defector wants visitors to the demilitarized zone to understand what his life in North Korea was like. There are the negatives but also the positives.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
We aim to raise $25,000 by June 14. Will you help us reach our goal? Donate today to keep The World going strong!