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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

Science & Technology

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.

sanctuary

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

Sacred Nation
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

Sacred Nation
A fox stands along a street in the Central London, Wednesday, March. 1, 2023. 

London’s foxes: Pesky pests or celebrated survivors?

Environment
crowd of people holding signs with commentary about Britain's NHS

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

Health
portrait of a woman in the park

Big changes for this young Ukrainian in London

Ukraine

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.

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

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.

Conservative Party leadership candidate Rishi Sunak leaves his home in London

Rishi Sunak to become Britain’s next prime minister

Leaders

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.

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

Leaders

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.

coffin in hearse

London goes silent to pay its respects to the queen

Queen Elizabeth II

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