The Turkish government announced it would suspend trade with Israel, until a permanent ceasefire is achieved and humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza without interruption. Imports and exports between Turkey and Israel totaled $6.8 billion last year. And, for the first time, researchers observed a wild animal treating a wound with a plant known by humans for its medicinal qualities, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports. Also, lawmakers in the United Kingdom are considering a ban on the sale of smartphones to children under the age of 16. And in France, a hard-hitting study says children should not be allowed to use smartphones until they are 13. Are these bans effective? Plus, Syrian singer Ghaliaa finds her voice in Abu Dhabi. 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!

Turkey cuts trade with Israel

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.

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The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has raised the question of another succession — that of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raisi was seen as a strong candidate before his death. Also, Kenya’s president is in the US for a historic state dinner celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with the United States. It comes as Kenyan police prepare to arrive in Haiti to lead a controversial multinational UN force backed by Washington there. And, the Biden Administration faces an uphill battle in its efforts to close down the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Plus, a look at the legacy of the Latin Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and accordionist from Colombia, Omar Geles, who has died at the age of 57.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Death of Iran's president raises questions about a different succession for the country

Spain, Ireland and Norway say they will recognize a Palestinian state on May 28. They will join 139 countries who have already taken the step. Also, a court has ruled that greenhouse gasses are a form of marine pollution, laying out legal obligations for governments. And, the Aral Sea, which spans the borders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, used to be the fourth largest lake on the planet but changed under Soviet policies. An engineering project turned things around, but the progress is once again on shaky ground. Plus, Jenny Erpenbeck's novel “Kairos” becomes the first translated German work to win the International Booker Prize.

Three European nations recognize a Palestinian state

Investigators in Britain have recently released an explosive report detailing how more than 30,000 UK residents contracted HIV or hepatitis from tainted blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Survivors of the contamination and their families have welcomed new pledges of compensation. And, security forces rescued 350 hostages from Boko Haram captivity in Nigeria on Monday. The hostages had been held in a forest enclave by the militants before they were rescued. Also, who doesn't have a fond childhood memory that's grown hazy with time, especially because there was never a photo to solidify it in the mind's eye? Well, now a Spanish AI company is creating the image on paper based just on the memory. Plus, South Korea bans a North Korean TikTok sensation.

NHS blood scandal in the UK

Iranians woke up on Monday to the news of the death of President Ibraheem Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The officials were traveling in a helicopter when it crashed in a mountainous area in the northwest of the country. And naturalists have discovered that there are many species that are now hard to find in the United States, but healthy populations can be found across the border, and now wall, in Mexico. But tagging these species in Mexico can also be a challenge, in part because of risks from cartel activity. Also, the top prosecutor at the International Criminal Court today announced a request for arrest warrants from top leaders from both Hamas and the Israeli government. Karim Khan said that he has reason to believe that Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, along with the Israeli defense minister, and three top leaders from Hamas all "bear criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Plus, an art portal connecting Dublin to New York City reopens.

Iran: A day after death of its president and foreign minister

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.

Turkey cuts trade with Israel

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