London

a multiple-exposure photo of insects flying around a light

The surprising reason why insects circle lights at night: They lose track of the sky

It’s an observation as old as humans gathering around campfires: Light at night can draw an erratically circling crowd of insects. In art, music and literature, this spectacle is an enduring metaphor for dangerous but irresistible attractions. And watching their frenetic movements really gives the sense that something is wrong — that instead of finding food and evading predators, these nocturnal pilots are trapped by a light.

The surprising reason why insects circle lights at night: They lose track of the sky
sanctuary

‘I just got completely blasted by love’: People in the UK attest to the ways that spirituality is evolving 

‘I just got completely blasted by love’: People in the UK attest to the ways that spirituality is evolving 
Hundreds gather at a rally outside New Scotland Yard demanding police to do more to protect London's Jewish citizens.

Jewish London on edge amid spike in antisemitic attacks

Jewish London on edge amid spike in antisemitic attacks
A fox stands along a street in the Central London, Wednesday, March. 1, 2023. 

London's foxes: Pesky pests or celebrated survivors?

London's foxes: Pesky pests or celebrated survivors?
crowd of people holding signs with commentary about Britain's NHS

In its 75th year, Britain's National Health Service is in critical condition

In its 75th year, Britain's National Health Service is in critical condition
portrait of a woman in the park

Big changes for this young Ukrainian in London

The UK has taken in more than 250,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The World follows up on the story of one of them: a young woman who fled to London alone in March of 2022.

Big changes for this young Ukrainian in London
Album covers of some of the allbums from artists included in the end-of-year music playlist with recommendations from The World staff. Clockwise, startiing from the top left corner: Adrian Quesada's "Boleros Psicodélicos," Sillvana Estrada's "Marchita," V

A musical journey around the globe 2022, a playlist

Music is part of The World’s DNA and, as it turns out, it is something many of the show’s staff appreciate. This playlist with their recommendations will take you on a journey around the globe.

A musical journey around the globe 2022, a playlist
Conservative Party leadership candidate Rishi Sunak leaves his home in London

Rishi Sunak to become Britain's next prime minister

Sunak is the nation's former Treasury chief and will be Britain’s first leader of color. He faces the task of stabilizing his party and country at a time of economic and political turbulence.

Rishi Sunak to become Britain's next prime minister
Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss addresses the media at 10 Downing Street in London

UK's Liz Truss quits after turmoil obliterated her authority

Liz Truss resigns as British prime minister — only six weeks after taking office — after her policies created economic turmoil and a rebellion from within her own party.

UK's Liz Truss quits after turmoil obliterated her authority
coffin in hearse

London goes silent to pay its respects to the queen

The queen’s funeral plans were decades in the making as part of what was codenamed “Operation London Bridge.”

London goes silent to pay its respects to the queen
coffin at front of church with crowd in attendance

Queen Elizabeth II mourned by Britain and world at funeral

Millions more tuned into the funeral live on television, and crowds flocked to parks and public spaces across the UK to watch it on screens. Even the Google doodle turned a respectful black for the day.

Queen Elizabeth II mourned by Britain and world at funeral
king at desk

What kind of leader will King Charles III be?

Richard Drayton is a professor of imperial and global history at King's College, London. He spoke to The World's host Marco Werman about what King Charles III's reign may be like.

What kind of leader will King Charles III be?
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks on during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice, Maidenhead, England July 15, 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's monarch for 70 years, dies

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, has died at the age of 96.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's monarch for 70 years, dies
Liz Truss arrives at Conservative Central Office in Westminster after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest in London

Liz Truss becomes Britain's new prime minister

Liz Truss becomes new British prime minister, beginning work on curbing soaring prices, easing labor unrest and fixing the health care system.

Liz Truss becomes Britain's new prime minister
A three-image combo of stills taken from CCTV footage shows Kadiza Sultana, left, Shamima Begum, centre and and Amira Abase going through security at Gatwick airport

Reports show British teenager was allegedly trafficked to ISIS by Canadian agent

Azadeh Moaveni, with the International Crisis Group, speaks with The World’s host Carol Hills about Shamima Begum, a British woman who was a teenager when she traveled to Syria in 2015. Moaveni says new information about Begum being trafficked by a Canadian intelligence agent could have serious implications for Canada.

Reports show British teenager was allegedly trafficked to ISIS by Canadian agent