Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was one of those released from a Belarusian prison after more than three years. The released American has not been named publicly.
President Trump's talk of acquiring Greenland has sparked creative proposals, from a bill to rename the island "Red, White and Blueland" to a satirical petition for Denmark to buy "Califørnia."
The planet has been shattering heat records for the past two years. That was expected to ease in January — and the fact that it didn't has climate researchers worried.
President Trump says he will meet President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, after phone calls with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to start peace negotiations.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a nationalist criticized over India's democratic backsliding, has welcomed President Trump's return to the White House. India so far has been spared new tariffs.
President Trump has already shaken up the Middle East by suggesting a U.S. takeover of Gaza. More drama could be on the way when the president spells out plans for other parts of the volatile region.
NPR asks Dennis Ross, a former U.S. ambassador and Middle East Special Envoy, about hostage release deadlines set by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as other risks to the Gaza ceasefire.
Mpox continues to impact parts of Africa. And experts say the outbreak stands at a critical moment as the U.S. halts foreign assistance and rebel violence scramble efforts to control the virus.
Top Trump administration officials are in Europe this week, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attending his first NATO meeting and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Paris to discuss Ukraine.