Palestinians in Gaza are reacting with dread to the announcement that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. Also, families of Israeli hostages, as well as those seeking the return of their loved ones’ remains, have responded with deep frustration and a sense of betrayal at the Israeli government. And, Ghana approves the world’s first malaria drug for newborns, marking a breakthrough in infant care. Plus, wildcard Victoria Mboko wins her first Women’s Tennis Association title at the Canadian Open.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is talking about ordering the Israeli military to escalate its campaign to take control of all of Gaza. Also, a wildfire rages across southwestern France, exacerbated by a heat wave and a recent project to overhaul the region's vineyards. And, new research identifies the culprit behind more than a decade of mass sea star deaths. Plus, the 2025 World Games kicks off in China with sports like disc golf, drone racing and motosurf.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Today marks 80 years since the first use of a nuclear weapon during wartime — the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Also, political parties in Israel who represent the Ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, are incensed over legislation forcing them to join the army, something they’ve thus far been exempt from. And, a lack of rain and soaring temperatures have stressed Tehran’s infrastructure to the breaking point as a drought and heat wave intensify in Iran. Plus, Italy hopes to build the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest on charges of masterminding a coup to overturn the country's 2022 election. Also, the reinterpretation by AI of a popular movie in India sparks debate. And, a retired US military officer discusses his firsthand experience at the controversial food distribution sites run by the joint US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Plus, attempts to convince Thai society to embrace a traditionally reviled lizard.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Former 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. Also, a new report looks at  health impacts throughout the life cycle of plastic ahead of a global meeting to negotiate the final steps of an international plastics treaty. And, wholesalers in Istanbul, Turkey, give surplus fabric a second life. Plus, New Zealand recognizes the world’s oldest alpaca in captivity.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to start up new tariffs on dozens of countries, sowing more uncertainty in the global economy. Also, scientists are developing an early warning system as heavy rains induced by climate change trigger more landslides in India. And, a new study finds surprisingly high rates of long-COVID in Ethiopia and Uganda. Plus, the largest heavy metal festival in the world kicks of in a small village in Germany.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Climate change is making the Indian monsoon more unpredictable, causing frequent flooding and waterlogging in cities, with additional factors worsening the problem. Also, Lithuania's prime minister steps down after denying any wrongdoing but saying that scandals are hindering the government's work. And, a discussion about growing calls for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution. Plus, some swimmers are making waves at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A massive earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and as far south as Chile. We look at the science behind the phenomena. Also, cyberattacks have surged across European hospitals, disrupting vital patient care. And, dermatologists warn that skin lightening products, particularly used across sub-Saharan Africa, may be increasing people’s risk of getting skin cancer. Plus, some artifacts point to an ancient writing system that was once used by women in Zambia.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A court in Colombia has convicted former President Álvaro Uribe on witness tampering charges. To some Colombians, Uribe is a national hero, while others view him as a ruthless strongman who undermined their democracy. Also, military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire after clashes erupted along their shared border last week. And, controversy over the Brazilian government serving shark meat in schools and at hospitals nationwide. Plus, using the ancient Shinto spiritual practice of forest bathing from Japan to deal with global crises.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico City marks seven centuries since the founding of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital buried beneath the modern metropolis. Also, France reverses a ban, reintroducing a controversial pesticide, despite the largest citizen signature campaign in French history calling to keep it off farms after research has shown it can devastate honeybee colonies. And, amid protests in Tel Aviv and under international pressure, Israel airdrops some aid and establishes safe corridors for assistance in Gaza. Plus, some YouTubers have turned the stress of travel into a game.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.