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Immerse yourself in the most compelling and consequential stories from around the globe. The world is changing in big ways every day. State of the World from NPR takes you where the news is happening — and explains why it matters. With bureaus spanning the globe, NPR reporters bring you facts and context from the ground so you can cut through the noise of disinformation. NPR's State of the World, a human perspective on global stories in just a few minutes, every weekday. State of the World was previously State of Ukraine. You'll continue to hear Ukraine coverage here, along with other international stories.

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State of the World from NPR

Italy’s Campi Flegrei volcano is depicted in Greek and Roman mythology as the entrance to the underworld. Its eruptions thousands of years ago blocked out the sun, turning summer into winter. And now the volcano is stirring in a way it hasn’t for centuries. We go to the volcano outside Naples to understand its new activity.

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Is Italy’s Super Volcano Getting Ready to Erupt?

Israel and Hamas have agreed on the "first phase" of a Gaza ceasefire deal, raising the possibility that the war may now be over. We hear from two of our correspondents in the region who have covered the entire war about the details in the plan and reactions to the announcement in Israel and in Gaza. And an interview with a Israeli man whose cousin’s remains are still in Gaza, about how families of hostages are feeling in this moment.

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A Deal Emerges for Peace in Gaza and the Release of Hostages

We continue our look at the ramifications of the two years of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. We go to southern Lebanon where demolitions and attacks on towns near the boarder with Israel continue even after a cease-fire between the two countries was put in place. 

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Destruction Continues in Southern Lebanon

On October 7, 2023, a surprise attack from Hamas-led militants in Gaza became the deadliest day in Israeli history. Israel’s ensuing war in Gaza has been the deadliest and most destructive Palestinians have ever endured. We look at the heavy human costs born by Israelis and Palestinians over the last two years. 

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Two Years After an Attack that Shook the Mideast, What are the Consequences?

France’s prime minister resigns with his government having been in power for only 18 hours. The country has had five prime ministers in two years, and the political crisis facing President Emmanuel Macron and a divided parliament is deepening. This uncertainty is having an effect on the European Union’s second-largest economy. Our correspondent in Paris explains the situation.

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Political Gridlock in France

The recent controversy in the U.S. over Jimmy Kimmel’s show being taken off the air, then restored got two of our correspondents thinking about similar sagas in the countries they cover. In both France and Russia popular political satire shows with puppets ran afoul of those in power and were pushed off the air. We hear from each show’s creator about what happened.

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Puppets Pushed Off the Air in Russia and France

Protests in Morocco and Madagascar, two disparate and distant African countries, highlight the younger generation’s frustrations over enduring years of poor governance. Our correspondent in Africa tells us these youth movements are fueled by social media and are demanding government accountability.

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Youth-led Protests in Multiple African Countries

In Colombia we meet marine biologist Elvira Álvarado, known as the “mother of coral”. At 70, she’s still diving and pioneering a type of coral IVF to help save endangered reefs.

And in China, ride-hailing companies are penalizing drivers for smelly rides. 

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Saving Coral in Colombia; Rating Your Taxi’s Smell in China

The United States is no longer providing weapons to Ukraine directly in their fight against Russia, so Ukraine is building their own as fast as they can. Ukraine’s president has suggested their weapons industry is advanced enough export their goods to like-minded countries. Our correspondent explores Ukraine’s arms industry and views Ukrainian-made weapons on display at a conference held in an unusual place.

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Ukraine’s Flourishing Arms Industry

In a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end the fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu said he has agreed to the plan for now, but underscored that Israel is ready to keep fighting if Hamas doesn’t agree to all the terms. Our reporter was there for the announcement and brings us more details.

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President Trump Announces His Peace Plan for Gaza

In an episode we first posted in January, we go to the West African country of Ghana. The Ghanaian government began encouraging people of African descent from around the world to move to the country in 2019, calling it the "Year of Return". They even created settlements for the people who took them up on the offer, giving out free land. But our correspondent talks to locals who say their farm land was stolen to give to foreigners.

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Return to the Motherland or Illegal Land Transfer? Depends on Who You Ask (Encore)

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