The World

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's recent appeal to European leaders has brought in more military aid for the country's defense against Russia. It's an indication that Western officials believe Kyiv’s forces could reclaim significant swaths of territory. Also, in southern Mexico, droughts are getting worse. That's forcing farmers to adjust and adapt. And, with the end of the pandemic-era rule known as Title 42 last week, the rules for seeking asylum at the US border have changed dramatically. They can be confusing. So, just how does the process work? Plus, across Ghana, waste picking is crucial for building a "circular economy" to eliminate waste. It's also a vital survival strategy for many. But it's a dangerous, undervalued job.

When polls opened in Turkey on Sunday, opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu seemed poised to unseat Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been in power for 20 years. Now, the two are headed to a runoff. And, US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety said the South African government sent arms to Russia in December 2022 aboard a ship under US sanctions. Also, the United Kingdom's schemes to help settle Ukrainian refugees helped house over 170,000 Ukrainians since last year. Now, one of the creators is calling on the UK government to support a similar scheme for Sudan. Plus, the UN marks the 75th anniversary of the "Nakba" for the first time, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians became refugees.

After months of stalemate, Ukraine’s military says it’s gaining ground in the embattled southern city of Bakhmut. We hear from US Ambassador Bridget Brink about the current situation on the ground. And, angry and exhausted, Turkish voters head to the polls on Sunday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces a robust challenge from six opposition parties who have united behind candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Also, fighting continues for a third day this week between Israel and the Palestinian militant faction, Islamic Jihad, in the Gaza Strip. Plus, celebrating Mother's Day around the globe.

Shelters in cities like Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, are emptying as many of them have decided to surrender to US authorities before Title 42 ends on May 11. Some fear that stricter rules might prevent them from coming after the pandemic-era policy expires. And, the Saudi government began talks to broker a peace deal between leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, which have been fighting for control of Sudan's capital since April 15. Also, across Europe, prosecutors have been nabbing suspects involved in the drug trade for the Italian mafia group, Ndrangheta. Plus, Russian artists in exile create new work — and identities.

As the number of people trying to cross the jungle on their way to the United States increases, transporting migrants and leading them on treks across the rainforest has become the main industry in Capurgana, a small village on the southern edge of the Darien Gap in Colombia. And, the Pentagon announced $1.2 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine this week as the country prepares for a major counteroffensive against Russia. Also, this weekend, 64 million Turkish voters will choose their next leader. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan moved the elections up by a month after facing criticism for his response to devastating earthquakes in February. Plus, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen takes home the coveted Best in Show award at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Migrants from South America, Africa and Asia are crossing the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama at record rates. As the US prepares to lift Title 42 on May 11, many migrants believe their chances of getting into the US will increase. And, early Tuesday morning, the Israeli army targeted senior leaders of the militant group, Islamic Jihad, in an operation it says killed three senior leaders in Gaza. Also, amid ongoing fighting in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, many are still trapped at home, with limited supplies. Neighborhood committees have formed to bring in food and water, and check on people's welfare. Plus, legendary opera singer Grace Bumbry dies at the age of 86.

More than 100,000 people turned out in central Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday to say no to the government's plans for judicial reform, for the 18th consecutive week. For now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding off on the judicial overhaul. And, in 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council established the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement. Their most recent trip brought the international experts to the United States. Also, the humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate in Sudan as the fighting intensifies. The UN estimates 19 million people will be food insecure in the coming months. Plus, get ready for Eurovision, kicking off soon in Liverpool.

After three years, and the death of millions of people, the World Health Organiziation's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced an end to the emergency. He made clear that the pandemic is not over and measures to prevent COVID-19 spread need to remain in place. And, a government app encourages Iraqis to report immoral behavior on- and offline. Also, in Serbia, two separate shooting sprees in two days have left 17 people dead in the Balkan country where gun violence is rare. Now, Serbia's president wants "practical disarmament" of the country, which has some of the most guns per citizen of any country in the world. Plus, how a group of Cuban female musicians claimed a once-forbidden drum.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have all made investments in Sudan and consider the Red Sea country an important location. These interests further complicate the ongoing fighting on the ground. And, scientists believe only a fraction of the potential 2 million marine species in our oceans have been identified. A new Ocean Census project aims to change that by identifying 100,000 new species in just 10 years. Also, US officials are dismissing Russian accusations that it "masterminded" Wednesday’s drone attack on the Kremlin. Plus, Copenhagen's mayor urges the "Danish capital of America" to support the LGBTQ community.

Videos apparently show two drones exploding over the Kremlin early Wednesday morning. Moscow claims the drones are from Ukraine and an attempt to assassinate Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has denied any involvement in the attack. And, the capture of the Niovi, a Greek-owned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, is the second-such capture by Tehran in recent days. We hear about the potential impact on shipping, and what it says about the safety of vessels passing through the waters off Iran. Also, The Writers Guild of America is on strike for better wages and royalties. How might this impact international series? Plus, some animals are able to adapt to climate change— so far.