The World

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is in New York this week. One issue that's at the top of the agenda is connected to the war in Gaza. Several countries announced over the weekend that they will formally recognize a state of Palestine. Other US allies are doing the same this week. Also, from London to Brussels and Berlin, some of Europe's biggest airports are grappling with a ransomware attack that has caused delays and cancellations. And, immigrant workers in Massachusetts with a particular type of immigration status are losing their jobs in critical industries like health, home care and nursing, after the Trump administration's policy changes. Plus, in Egypt, the country's most prominent political prisoner has received a presidential pardon.

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During his state visit to the UK, President Donald Trump expressed interest in the US reclaiming Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which is now in the hands of the Taliban and would likely require negotiations to retake. Also, a look at the status of democracy in Turkey as opposition mayors remain in jail. And, the US has now destroyed three ships off the coast of Venezuela, claiming they were tied to drug cartels; we look at the legal arguments around the airstrikes. Plus, new data from the World Meteorological Organization finds that the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica is continuing to heal, and is expected to close entirely by mid-century.

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US President Donald Trump wrapped up his historic state visit to the United Kingdom today. He and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters that they discussed major international crises, but the two leaders did not present any new solutions for Gaza, Ukraine or global migration. Also, the Trump administration’s policies are driving away international students from the US. And, Israel’s strike on Hamas’ political leadership in Qatar last week has raised alarms in Gulf capitals, with the countries questioning US protection guarantees. Plus, a look at what happens when cellphones are banned from classrooms.

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From Jakarta to Bangkok, new and unknown brands of Chinese electric vehicles have been cruising around major Southeast Asian cities over the past two years. Also, Shell and Exxon Mobil are suing the Dutch government over the closure of a major gas field over payouts to residents for damages tied to extraction. And, a new 72-page UN report released this week finds there are reasonable grounds to conclude Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts as defined under international law since 2023. Plus, we find out which Peruvian dish won the World Breakfast Cup.

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The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels but has offered no evidence. Amid the saber-rattling between Caracas and Washington, we hear what Venezuelans are saying. Also, voters in Malawi head to the polls as their country faces a tanking economy. And, the IDF unleashes a new military ground offensive into Gaza City, as the UN declares that Israel is commingling a genocide in Gaza. Plus, a cheating scandal at the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland.

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Over the weekend in London, more than 100,000 people took to the streets for the anti-immigrant "Unite the Kingdom" rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, featuring Elon Musk as a guest speaker. Also, Syria holds its first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. And, a first-of-its-kind agreement to deal with overfishing around the world goes into effect. Plus, a look back at the 1881 global tour of the last king of Hawaii.

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Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. Also, Lithuania remains on edge as Russia and Belarus hold joint military drills. And, a look at how a five-day strike by tube operators, London’s subway system, caused rush hour chaos across the city. Plus, Albania rolls out the world's first AI-powered government minister.

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US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It’s reignited passions in the territory on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Also, a government commission in Peru has voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. And, a rapper who was born in Greece to Ghanaian parents calls out Greece’s lack of birthright citizenship as “racist.” Plus, the Women's International Motorcycle Association celebrates 75 years on the open road.

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Last night, more than a dozen drones believed to be from Russia flew into Poland’s airspace, and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation, the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. Also, 24 years after the 9/11 attacks, the detention center at Guantanamo Bay remains open, despite promises by former presidents to shut it down. And, divers have successfully removed a single, abandoned fishing net, one of the largest pieces of so-called "ghost gear" ever recorded, from a marine-protected area off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Plus, a look back at an initiative in the UK that normalizes support for parents of newborns.

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Israel today attacked an apartment in Doha, Qatar, where the top leaders of Hamas were meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal. Israel claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had notified the Trump administration ahead of the strikes, which the White House called an “unfortunate incident” that did not advance peace in the region. Also, scientists say fresh water deep under the ocean floor could alleviate growing water scarcity. And, Nepal's prime minister resigns after 22 people were killed in over two days of protests. Plus, two friends who started the “Loose Ends” organization match a growing roster of volunteer knitters with those who have unfinished projects.

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