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Pope Francis delivers the official declaration for the Catholic Church's upcoming 2025 Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event for Catholics that goes back to the 14th century. Also, as part of reestablishing ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia wants the US to help it build a civilian nuclear program. And, a look at the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as Israeli troops position themselves to enter Rafah. Plus, a Somali rapper who went from being an unemployed immigrant to a rap star in the UAE.

Russia marks Victory Day with pomp and circumstance and a chance to show off its power and strength. Also, many Nigerians are calling on the government to bring back fuel subsidies as oil prices rise. And, a discussion about the value of written language after a teacher in the UK finds a stone inscribed with ancient Ogham writing from Ireland. Plus, a new gallery in New York City is holding one of the largest showings of African contemporary art in the world.

The long-awaited torch of the Olympic Games arrives by ship in the southern French port city of Marseille. Also, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca says its ceasing sales of its COVID-19 vaccines. The company says its vaccine saved millions of lives globally but demand is now low. And, a look at what a pause in shipment of weapons destined from the US to Israel means. Plus, the Luminous Stars centers providing mental health care for orphaned children in Iraq.

A group of Americans who had been stranded in desert camps in northeastern Syria for years arrived back in the US on Tuesday. Also, water supplies in Mexico’s capital are at a historic low because of a combination of low rainfall, rising temperatures and outdated infrastructure. And, the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah, where 1.4 million people are sheltering, and now controls the main border crossing with Egypt. It came as Hamas offered a counterproposal for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. Plus, whale researchers have turned to computer scientists to analyze the clicks made by sperm whales in the Caribbean.

In a statement, Hamas said it would approve the Qatari-Egyptian ceasefire proposal. Israel and the US say they are reviewing the deal. It's not the same one that was under consideration 10 days ago. For the people sheltering in Gaza, in the city of Rafah, we'll bring a ground-level perspective on the fast-changing situation, as well as a window into how civilians are navigating the uncertainty. Plus, the largest election in history is currently underway in India, with nearly a billion people casting ballots. They trek by foot, by boat and even on the backs of elephants. And, a North Korean defector wants visitors to the demilitarized zone to understand what his life in North Korea was like. There are the negatives but also the positives.

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!