World news is a broad term that encompasses international current events. It includes political happenings, economic developments and other significant events from around the globe that have implications for the entire global community.

The roots of world news can be traced back to the courants of 17th-century Europe — European newspapers that reported on events taking place in other countries and continents. Later, with the advent of telecommunications and the growing ability to send information quickly across vast distances, news organizations began to establish foreign desks and correspondents.

A news correspondent is a full-time reporter stationed in a foreign city (or, in some cases, a region or country) who regularly files stories to a news editor. Correspondents usually gather their materials from government sources, local citizens and the media as well as from events they witness themselves. In the past, reporters who were based abroad often worked for multiple newspapers at once; these were referred to as stringers. Today, many reporters who are based in a foreign locale work for one or more major news outlets and may be assigned to specific assignments or regions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing a united opposition in an election that could threaten his grip on power. A federal program in New Mexico helps pregnant women in rural areas. But it’s running out of funds and faces an uncertain future. And a deadly storm brings cyclone-force winds and flooding to Bangladesh and Myanmar.