The World

The ceasefire which had halted fighting between Israel and Hamas for two months seems long ago and far away. On Wednesday, Israel announced a major expansion of its military advance in Gaza, vowing to seize ‘large areas’ of land and displace residents. Also, President Donald Trump is trying to initiate talks with Iran about the country's nuclear program, but his goals for the talks have not been specified. Iran has agreed to negotiate indirectly with the US. This, after Trump pulled the US out of a previous agreement with Iran during his first term. Also, the role of military chaplains in Ukraine's war effort. And, Bhutan's unique approach to separation of church and state. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As Myanmar ramps up its response to the earthquake that struck last week, those efforts are being complicated by the country's civil war. The military government has been blocking emergency aid from entering areas controlled by armed resistance movements. That's leaving earthquake-stricken areas deprived of doctors, medicine, and bare necessities like food and water. Also, South Korea is reckoning with the dark past of its international adoption system. And, a visit to Africa's only Bahai temple. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Myanmar, the official death toll continues to climb three days after a devastating earthquake, but still reflects only a fraction of the number of deaths estimated by the United States Geological Survey. The challenges are now compounded by the country's civil war, as government forces launch air strikes against resistance fighters near the epicenter of the quake. Also, French far-right politician Marine Le Pen has been convicted of embezzlement, and barred from seeking public office for five years. And, we look at results from the weekend's Figure Skating World Championships. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand today, killing dozens of people in both countries. Also, former US ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discusses the implications of the world’s shifting geopolitical situation. And, Israel strikes southern Beirut in Lebanon saying it targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility. Plus, a new borrowed word in the Oxford English Dictionary that describes a feeling so intense you can't help but have a physical reaction to it. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

South Korea is fighting the largest forest fires in the country's history. Emergency crews and volunteers in the dry and windy southeast region are working to put out the flames and help evacuate residents. Also, forecasts for international tourism show that numbers are down sharply for travel to the US amid souring international opinions and ramped-up immigration enforcement. And, the UK climate activist group Just Stop Oil says it’s ceasing its disruptive protests. Plus, singer and storyteller Kaito Winse of Burkina Faso releases a new EP, “Reele Bombou.” Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza held spontaneous protests against Hamas and called for an end to the war. Also, for decades, Europe has leaned on the US for security, but there are growing calls for the bloc to be more militarily self-sufficient — an ambitious goal that not all EU leaders agree on. And, it's been 10 years since the start of the Saudi-led airstrike campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. Plus, China-based Mixue Bingcheng is set to surpass McDonald's as the world's largest fast food chain. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Increasingly brazen armed gangs are taking control of most of the roads leading into and out of Port-au-Prince, as control slips away from Haitian police and Kenyan-led multinational forces. Also, a court in Tokyo has ordered the once-powerful Unification Church in Japan to be dissolved in a case against the religious group that goes back to the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. And, the beating and arrest of Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning film “No Other Land” highlights the blurred lines between Israeli settlers and the Israel Defense Forces. Plus, Chile’s Indigenous Mapuche people use an ancestral sport to help protect and revive their culture, customs and language. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A presidential primary organized by the party of jailed Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, galvanizes millions of voters across Turkey. Also, Costa Ricans are being asked to help pick coffee beans amid a labor shortage in their country, as Nicaraguan migrant farmers stay home over the risks of crossing the border. And, a new graphic cookbook — complete with recipes and comic book-style illustrations — tells the backstories of the unique names behind some Chinese dishes. Plus, for a few days starting this weekend, Saturn's iconic rings will vanish from Earth's point of view — a phenomenon that occurs every 15 years. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Heathrow, one of the world's largest airports, has shut down after a fire broke out Thursday night at an electric substation, effectively knocking out the airport's power. We hear about the potential causes behind the fire at the substation and how vulnerable airports are to these kinds of incidents. Also, in Sudan, pro-government troops have retaken control of the presidential palace in Khartoum. The palace was previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who say the battle is not over yet. This would be a major symbolic victory for the Sudanese military, if the palace takeover is confirmed. Also, the effort to return political pluralism to Poland's federal government. And, the American doughnut shops with roots in Cambodia. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested last week by the International Criminal Court. That makes him the ICC's highest-profile prisoner ever. While in office, he spearheaded a so-called "war on drugs" that killed up to 30,000 people. The relatives of the victims are now ready to face Duterte in court. Also, a look at the end of the ceasefire in Gaza and renewed hostilities between Israel and Hamas. And, Namibia is inaugurating its first female president this week. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Turkey, a political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been detained. The mayor of Istanbul was arrested during a raid on his home, and accused of corruption and assisting a Kurdish militant group in the country's south. Press conferences and demonstrations have been banned in the country for four days. Also, the ongoing impact of Voice of America in former Soviet republics in central Asia. And, March Madness is here — we have a look at a Ukrainian player making an impact on Notre Dame's women's basketball team. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israel launched a series of attacks in Gaza overnight. Palestinian health officials say more than 400 people were killed in the strikes, one of the highest death tolls in a single day since the start of the war. This comes after negotiations involving Israel and Hamas failed to reach a deal to release the remaining hostages and maintain the ceasefire. Also, the ongoing efforts to deal with the environmental impact of Agent Orange in Vietnam. And, a visit to a fertility temple in Bhutan. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A nightclub in North Macedonia caught fire over the weekend, killing 59 people and injuring more than 150 more. Authorities have arrested suspects implicated in the deadly blaze. A look at how that fire started, and the ripple effects across the country. Also, how the war in Ukraine has had an impact on Jewish life in the country. And, we meet a man entertaining North Koreans with magic tricks. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The price of one ounce of gold has hit a new record: $3,000. This comes as the stock market faces a lot of volatility amid international trade wars and inflation. Also, a ceasefire between the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkey could have widespread effects on Turkey, Iraq and Syria. And, Norway's team has been barred from the ski jumping world championships being hosted by Oslo over suspected modifications to the team’s ski jumpers' suits. Plus, a new bill could bring back bistros to thousands of small French towns. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Many Catholics in Argentina are praying for Pope Francis’ recovery — and hoping that he will finally come back his home country on a papal visit. Also, Bangladesh's interim government tries to retrieve money laundered by members of the previous government. And, a new UN report details sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Plus, Donatella Versace steps down after nearly 30 years at the helm of the luxury fashion house started by her brother. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Trump administration has revoked Chevron's license to pump oil in Venezuela, accusing its president of not making progress on electoral reforms. In response, Venezuela said it will stop receiving deportees from the US. Also, a new abortion clinic opens across from the Polish parliament despite the country’s strict abortion ban. And, Syria’s interim government signs a deal with the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish militia that controls the northeast. Plus, a London comedy club bans audience members with Botox injections after performers complain about unresponsive faces in the crowd. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Following eight hours of negotiations in Saudi Arabia today, the US and Ukraine say that Kyiv will accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Washington also pledged to lift a freeze on intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine. Also, former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was detained on an ICC arrest warrant and will likely stand trial for crimes against humanity. And, the Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for a train highjacking involving more than 400 hostages in Pakistan. Plus, a museum in Finland dedicated to Vladimir Lenin shifts focus amid tensions with Russia. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Approximately a thousand people are estimated to have been killed in Syria's coastal region after violence that followed an attack on government forces last week. Since then, members of Syria's Alawite community have been attacked and killed. Also, economist and politician Mark Carney is named Canada’s new prime minister. And, many immigrants now fear sharing their stories in the United States. Plus, Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz, has the longest — and highest — cable car system in the world. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russian state television used to portray the US as the Kremlin's biggest adversary. But since President Donald Trump's return to the White House, state-controlled media outlets in Russia are changing their tune. Also, the race between China and Japan to build the fastest bullet train. And, a cross-cultural collaboration between two jazz greats, one from the United States, the other from Brazil. Esperanza Spalding and Milton Nascimento. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Syria's new government is reportedly working with Russia as it rebuilds. It's a surprising turn of events because Russia formerly allied itself with the Assad regime, which the current government toppled. Also, Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of a ceasefire deal reached in January. The future of the deal is now uncertain. Meanwhile, the flow of humanitarian aid that many Palestinians are depending on has been cut off. Also, large numbers of Venezuelan migrants were trying to enter the US from Mexico. Now, many of them are returning to their home country instead. And, young adults are so miserable that they're altering what we know as the traditional pattern of happiness. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices