Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is.

A UNICEF representative based in Gaza joins us from inside the territory with insights on what a proposed pause in fighting would — and wouldn't — accomplish on the ground. Plus, in a diplomatic shakeup, China is recalling two of its diplomats to Australia. Not the highest-ranking ones, but probably the most famous: giant pandas at the Adelaide Zoo, are going back to China. And, classic American folk tunes meets beloved ragas from India. The home of country music — the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville — is showcasing the ensemble American Patchwork Quartet.

A UNICEF representative based in Gaza joins us from inside the territory with insights on what a proposed pause in fighting would — and wouldn't — accomplish on the ground. Plus, in a diplomatic shakeup, China is recalling two of its diplomats to Australia. Not the highest-ranking ones, but probably the most famous: giant pandas at the Adelaide Zoo, are going back to China. And, classic American folk tunes meets beloved ragas from India. The home of country music — the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville — is showcasing the ensemble American Patchwork Quartet.

A proposed pause in fighting in Gaza 

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to reject a finance bill underway in Kenya’s parliament, with some demonstrations turning deadly. Also, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service, effectively putting an end to a longstanding exemption for the group. And, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reached a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. Plus,  Cameroonian singer and guitarist "Irma" pays homage to the King of Pop 15 years after the death of icon Michael Jackson.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to reject a finance bill underway in Kenya’s parliament, with some demonstrations turning deadly. Also, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service, effectively putting an end to a longstanding exemption for the group. And, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reached a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. Plus,  Cameroonian singer and guitarist "Irma" pays homage to the King of Pop 15 years after the death of icon Michael Jackson.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to reject a finance bill underway in Kenya’s parliament, with some demonstrations turning deadly.

Protests in Kenya against finance bill turn deadly

A series of seemingly coordinated attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches took place in the Russian republic of Dagestan over the weekend, killing at least 20 people, and injuring dozens more. Also, sword duels with real blades have been barred for centuries throughout Europe. But every year — across Germany and Austria — hundreds of male university frat house members still undergo a secretive, violent and bloody sword-fighting ritual, using real sharpened blades. And, more than 1,300 pilgrims perished making the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this month. The majority of those who died were "unauthorized," meaning they lacked the official “Hajj visa" that the Saudi government requires. Plus, a cafe and performance space for Arabic speakers in Turkey.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

A series of seemingly coordinated attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches took place in the Russian republic of Dagestan over the weekend, killing at least 20 people, and injuring dozens more. Also, sword duels with real blades have been barred for centuries throughout Europe. But every year — across Germany and Austria — hundreds of male university frat house members still undergo a secretive, violent and bloody sword-fighting ritual, using real sharpened blades. And, more than 1,300 pilgrims perished making the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this month. The majority of those who died were "unauthorized," meaning they lacked the official “Hajj visa" that the Saudi government requires. Plus, a cafe and performance space for Arabic speakers in Turkey.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Attacks on synagogues and churches in Russian republic of Dagestan

Latvians mark the summer solstice by celebrating the longest day of the year. Also, a new discovery of a rare genetic mutation of one family in Colombia may present an opportunity to learn how the body could naturally resist Alzheimer’s. And, new mothers in different parts of the world find that preparing the traditional foods of their own mothers and grandmothers from their home countries can ease the transition to motherhood. Plus, a look at the intersection of fashion and sports as Paris hosts the Summer Olympic Games.

Latvians mark the summer solstice by celebrating the longest day of the year. Also, a new discovery of a rare genetic mutation of one family in Colombia may present an opportunity to learn how the body could naturally resist Alzheimer’s. And, new mothers in different parts of the world find that preparing the traditional foods of their own mothers and grandmothers from their home countries can ease the transition to motherhood. Plus, a look at the intersection of fashion and sports as Paris hosts the Summer Olympic Games.

Latvians mark the summer solstice by celebrating the longest day of the year.

Latvians celebrate the summer solstice

In the city where the dissident Mohammad Shabani died, Fariba Nawa finds evidence that points towards his cause of death.

In the city where the dissident Mohammad Shabani died, Fariba Nawa finds evidence that points towards his cause of death.

Lethal Dissent 4 - The Fall

Russia and North Korea have sign onto a new partnership, vowing mutual aid if either country is attacked, while South Korea responds by saying it will consider sending weapons to Ukraine. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron joins several African leaders to kick off a planned $1 billion project to accelerate the rollout of vaccines across Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaping inequalities in access to them. And, farmers in northern Israel say the war in Gaza has devastated their businesses. Officials in Margaliot, a tiny agricultural settlement bordering southern Lebanon, want the town to “sever contact with the Israeli government” following what they see as months of abandonment. Plus, a new documentary that takes a look at the Women's World Cup of 1971 in Mexico.

Russia and North Korea have sign onto a new partnership, vowing mutual aid if either country is attacked, while South Korea responds by saying it will consider sending weapons to Ukraine. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron joins several African leaders to kick off a planned $1 billion project to accelerate the rollout of vaccines across Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaping inequalities in access to them. And, farmers in northern Israel say the war in Gaza has devastated their businesses. Officials in Margaliot, a tiny agricultural settlement bordering southern Lebanon, want the town to “sever contact with the Israeli government” following what they see as months of abandonment. Plus, a new documentary that takes a look at the Women's World Cup of 1971 in Mexico.

Russia and North Korea have sign onto a new partnership, vowing mutual aid if either country is attacked, while South Korea responds by saying it will consider sending weapons to Ukraine.

Russia and North Korea agree to a new partnership

Juneteenth marks a celebratory milestone in the history of emancipation in the US, but the legacy of slavery persists, not just in the US but across the globe. Also, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was just sworn in for his second term in office, despite his party losing a decadeslong majority in a recent parliamentary election. And a new series that will run throughout the summer examines key themes in the tense relationship between the US and China. The first installment of "Face Off" centers on the escalating risk of military encounters over South China Sea.

Juneteenth marks a celebratory milestone in the history of emancipation in the US, but the legacy of slavery persists, not just in the US but across the globe. Also, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was just sworn in for his second term in office, despite his party losing a decadeslong majority in a recent parliamentary election. And a new series that will run throughout the summer examines key themes in the tense relationship between the US and China. The first installment of "Face Off" centers on the escalating risk of military encounters over South China Sea.

Juneteenth marks a celebratory milestone but the legacy of slavery persists 

The annual Muslim pilgrimage known as the Hajj isn't just a spiritual journey; it's physically strenuous, too. Travelers to Mecca and Medina this year have braved dangerous heat. Host Marco Werman speaks with a Muslim American who's there right now, participating in the ritual. Plus, Polish abortion rights activists reflect on 30 years of some of the strictest abortion laws in the region just as those laws appear likely to change. And the Turkish government's latest attempt to deal with stray dogs in cities has sparked anger in local communities. A draft law set to be debated by parliament could require cities to euthanize dogs that are not adopted within 30 days.

The annual Muslim pilgrimage known as the Hajj isn't just a spiritual journey; it's physically strenuous, too. Travelers to Mecca and Medina this year have braved dangerous heat. Host Marco Werman speaks with a Muslim American who's there right now, participating in the ritual. Plus, Polish abortion rights activists reflect on 30 years of some of the strictest abortion laws in the region just as those laws appear likely to change. And the Turkish government's latest attempt to deal with stray dogs in cities has sparked anger in local communities. A draft law set to be debated by parliament could require cities to euthanize dogs that are not adopted within 30 days.

Travelers making Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina brave dangerous heat

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. Also, we air Part 3 of the series “Lethal Dissent,” which looks at the death of an Iranian poet living in Turkey. And, Qatar tries to beat the heat by air conditioning outdoor spaces. Plus, a new project tries to prove that gamers do, in fact, “touch grass.”

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. Also, we air Part 3 of the series “Lethal Dissent,” which looks at the death of an Iranian poet living in Turkey. And, Qatar tries to beat the heat by air conditioning outdoor spaces. Plus, a new project tries to prove that gamers do, in fact, “touch grass.”

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. 

Pope Francis meets with comedians at G7

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family, and supporters by surprise. Fariba finds one of Mohammad Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died.

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family, and supporters by surprise. Fariba finds one of Mohammad Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died.

Lethal Dissent 3 - Losing Touch

G7 nations agree to give Ukraine a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Also, a growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians and distancing themselves from Israel. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel. And, Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek takes us through Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

G7 nations agree to give Ukraine a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Also, a growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians and distancing themselves from Israel. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel. And, Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek takes us through Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

G7 nations to give Ukraine $50 billion loan

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again. Also, Denmark has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured in South Korea. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they could pose a physical danger to Danish consumers. And, in a rare case, a jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group in Colombia that received funding from the fruit company. Plus, remembering French chanteuse Françoise Hardy.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again. Also, Denmark has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured in South Korea. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they could pose a physical danger to Danish consumers. And, in a rare case, a jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group in Colombia that received funding from the fruit company. Plus, remembering French chanteuse Françoise Hardy.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again.

Ceasefire talks deteriorate again

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire. Also, Mexico deals with around 25,000 tons of trash generated by last week’s elections. Now, environmentalists are concerned that improper disposal of plastic waste could cause serious pollution. And, an effort to reintroduce wild horses to the steppe region of Kazakhstan. Plus, scientists detect a sizable drop in a harmful substance that depletes the ozone layer.

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire. Also, Mexico deals with around 25,000 tons of trash generated by last week’s elections. Now, environmentalists are concerned that improper disposal of plastic waste could cause serious pollution. And, an effort to reintroduce wild horses to the steppe region of Kazakhstan. Plus, scientists detect a sizable drop in a harmful substance that depletes the ozone layer.

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire.

UN Security Council vote pushes for ceasefire in Gaza

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned. Also, an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s foreign minister, who says his country cannot afford an all-out war with Israel. And, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap election in parliament following EU elections, urging French voters to take a clear stance on the rise of the far-right throughout Europe. Also, three Americans have appeared in a Congolese military court, accused of taking part in a failed coup attempt last month in the DRC. Plus, a visit to an all-fungi restaurant in Mexico City, a place that is rediscovering recipes and methods to cultivate, eat and preserve wild mushrooms.

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned. Also, an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s foreign minister, who says his country cannot afford an all-out war with Israel. And, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap election in parliament following EU elections, urging French voters to take a clear stance on the rise of the far-right throughout Europe. Also, three Americans have appeared in a Congolese military court, accused of taking part in a failed coup attempt last month in the DRC. Plus, a visit to an all-fungi restaurant in Mexico City, a place that is rediscovering recipes and methods to cultivate, eat and preserve wild mushrooms.

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned.

Benny Gantz resigns as Israeli hostages released, Palestinians killed in bombardments

Daytime temperatures are breaking records in the central and northern regions of India. Now, hospitals are setting up special units to deal with acute heat stress. Also, a look at soaring home rental prices in Spain. And, Palestinian families evacuated to Qatar help their children process trauma and grief from the war in Gaza. Also, Team USA is playing in the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time, and they're surprising cricket fans around the world with their performance so far. Plus, the Caesar salad turns 100.

Daytime temperatures are breaking records in the central and northern regions of India. Now, hospitals are setting up special units to deal with acute heat stress. Also, a look at soaring home rental prices in Spain. And, Palestinian families evacuated to Qatar help their children process trauma and grief from the war in Gaza. Also, Team USA is playing in the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time, and they're surprising cricket fans around the world with their performance so far. Plus, the Caesar salad turns 100.

India deals with acute stress amid record-breaking temperatures

When two close friends who work for the Iranian government follow their conscience, it puts them at odds with the regime. Now one of them is dead. To figure out what might have happened, reporter Fariba Nawa goes back to the beginning.

When two close friends who work for the Iranian government follow their conscience, it puts them at odds with the regime. Now one of them is dead. To figure out what might have happened, reporter Fariba Nawa goes back to the beginning.

Lethal Dissent 2 - The Poet

For months, the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been trading drone, missile and rocket attacks across the border. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a "very intense" military response. The World's Shirin Jaafari is in Beirut. Also, Thursday is the start of voting for the European Parliament. The polls suggest that far-right candidates will do well, and that could have big implications for some of America's most important allies. And New York's governor is hitting the brakes on a plan to implement congestion pricing in New York City. The plan has been in the works for several years. But other non-US cities went down this road a long time ago. We'll hear how it worked out overseas.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

For months, the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been trading drone, missile and rocket attacks across the border. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a "very intense" military response. The World's Shirin Jaafari is in Beirut. Also, Thursday is the start of voting for the European Parliament. The polls suggest that far-right candidates will do well, and that could have big implications for some of America's most important allies. And New York's governor is hitting the brakes on a plan to implement congestion pricing in New York City. The plan has been in the works for several years. But other non-US cities went down this road a long time ago. We'll hear how it worked out overseas.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Lebanese prepare for the worst as Hezbollah and Israel trade fire 

The top diplomat at the United Nations is once again sounding an alarm about the dangers of climate change. Also, in coastal communities around the globe — places such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Italy, Brazil and the southern United States — rising sea water levels threaten to infiltrate freshwater drinking supplies. And, Jerusalem Day marks the "reunification" of Jerusalem in 1967 and the Jews regaining access to the venerated Temple Mount. The day is generally tense as Jews march through the Arab quarter of Jerusalem's old city to commemorate victory in the Six Day War. This year, the holiday is especially fraught because of the war in Gaza. And, 3,000 Palestinian children have suffered at least one amputation in the last eight months, according to UNICEF. That's the largest cohort in recent history. Only a small percentage have been able to be evacuated out of the Gaza Strip.

The top diplomat at the United Nations is once again sounding an alarm about the dangers of climate change. Also, in coastal communities around the globe — places such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Italy, Brazil and the southern United States — rising sea water levels threaten to infiltrate freshwater drinking supplies. And, Jerusalem Day marks the "reunification" of Jerusalem in 1967 and the Jews regaining access to the venerated Temple Mount. The day is generally tense as Jews march through the Arab quarter of Jerusalem's old city to commemorate victory in the Six Day War. This year, the holiday is especially fraught because of the war in Gaza. And, 3,000 Palestinian children have suffered at least one amputation in the last eight months, according to UNICEF. That's the largest cohort in recent history. Only a small percentage have been able to be evacuated out of the Gaza Strip.

Once again, top UN diplomat sounds alarm about climate change 

The US is strongly pushing a three-phase ceasefire deal in the Mideast that would bring back Israeli hostages and lead to a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. But members of the Israeli prime minister's cabinet have threatened to quit if any ceasefire is discussed. And, US Army Major Harrison Mann quit the Defense Intelligence Agency to protest what he calls Washington’s "unqualified" support for Israel, saying it has “enabled” the killing of Palestinian civilians. Also, results in India's national election are in. The incumbent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks like the winner, but the opposition also appears stronger. And the city of Vilnius, Lithuania, recently hosted a "Pink Soup Festival," celebrating cold beet soup. It's a staple in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe.

The US is strongly pushing a three-phase ceasefire deal in the Mideast that would bring back Israeli hostages and lead to a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. But members of the Israeli prime minister's cabinet have threatened to quit if any ceasefire is discussed. And, US Army Major Harrison Mann quit the Defense Intelligence Agency to protest what he calls Washington’s "unqualified" support for Israel, saying it has “enabled” the killing of Palestinian civilians. Also, results in India's national election are in. The incumbent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks like the winner, but the opposition also appears stronger. And the city of Vilnius, Lithuania, recently hosted a "Pink Soup Festival," celebrating cold beet soup. It's a staple in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe.

US pushes for a three-phase ceasefire deal

For the first time, Mexico will have a woman president. Claudia Sheinbaum is a 61-year-old scientist, left-wing politician and a former mayor of Mexico City. Also, this week, we'll meet a child survivor of the war in Gaza who was able to travel to Qatar for medical treatment. And welcome to the Offline Club. It's a place in Amsterdam where visitors pay a cover charge to hang out in a social setting that's completely cut off from the digital world — no phones, tablets or laptops allowed.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

For the first time, Mexico will have a woman president. Claudia Sheinbaum is a 61-year-old scientist, left-wing politician and a former mayor of Mexico City. Also, this week, we'll meet a child survivor of the war in Gaza who was able to travel to Qatar for medical treatment. And welcome to the Offline Club. It's a place in Amsterdam where visitors pay a cover charge to hang out in a social setting that's completely cut off from the digital world — no phones, tablets or laptops allowed.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico elects its 1st-ever woman president 

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs — including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president. Also, a range of reactions from European leaders to the news of former President Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction. And, data shows that the number of Canadians heading south to live in the US has jumped 70%. Plus, a conversation with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek about traversing Uzbekistan as part of his 24,000 mile Out of Eden Walk.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs — including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president. Also, a range of reactions from European leaders to the news of former President Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction. And, data shows that the number of Canadians heading south to live in the US has jumped 70%. Plus, a conversation with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek about traversing Uzbekistan as part of his 24,000 mile Out of Eden Walk.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs, including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president.