State of the World from NPR

One method of combating extreme poverty is providing cash grants to allow people to start businesses. We go to Uganda to take a look at one such program that has changed their model in an effort to increase the impact of their support. And the changes caused intended consequences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jews in Israel had been looking forward to the Hanukkah holiday this year, since recent public celebrations had been curtailed first by COVID and then the wars that followed the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. But this year’s celebration is happening in the aftermath of a horrific attack on a Hanukkah event in Australia that killed at least 15. We go to Tel Aviv to hear how people are feeling about the holiday this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR recently met with a senior Hamas leader on the outskirts of Doha, Qatar as the organization prepares to negotiate the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire. He says Hamas is willing to lay down its weapons for up to ten years. Our correspondent gives us the highlights of the conversation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Physical maps might feel out of date in our smartphone and GPS age but maps aren’t just for navigation. They are windows into history, culture and how we perceive the world. We visit a map library in Maine to see what maps can tells about the planet and ourselves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life for Russians has changed in myriad ways since the start of the full scale war in Ukraine in 2022. It has affected everything from what they can say to what they can buy. But perhaps the most far reaching change is in what Russians learn. Our correspondent in Moscow tells us about a new undercover documentary that shows the changes to Russian schools.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy