Scientists take to the streets, gays in the Korean military, France heads to the polls
Today, we talk about why scientists are taking to the streets on Saturday in a global series of protests dubbed the first March for Science. And, will Thursday's attack in Paris affect the way people vote in the country's too-close-to-call election? Also, a new online magazine in France is designed to give voice to Muslim women. Plus, an Iranian American astronomer whose passion for the stars w...
46m Apr 21, 2017
46m
Deporting Dreamers, London taxidermy heist, from trash pickers to employees
We hear reaction to news that the Trump administration for the first time has deported a DACA recipient. Also, what's behind the downward trend in illegal border crossings at the US-Mexico border? Plus, we find out how some trash pickers in Morocco went from poverty to well-paid employees. And, the strange case in London of some stolen giraffes. Just how do you steal a giraffe?
47m Apr 20, 2017
47m
On the front lines in Mosul, Iceberg Alley, and a Holocaust escape tunnel
On the front lines of the Iraqi Army's battle against ISIS in Mosul. Also, a hand-dug tunnel in Lithuania that served as an escape route for Jews during the Holocaust. Plus, the giant icebergs that are bringing traffic to a halt in Newfoundland.
45m Apr 19, 2017
45m
Driverless cars and the environment, North Korea's warning, a Hemingway love letter
Today, the jury is still out on whether driverless cars will be good or bad for the environment. Also, the mysterious syndrome affecting refugee children in Sweden. Plus, Ernest Hemingway, Marlene Dietrich and their love letters.
46m Apr 18, 2017
46m
Pence warns North Korea, Turkish president expands powers, Nepal's mountain runner Mira Rai
Vice President Mike Pence warns North Korea not to test American resolve with new provocations. Also, an Iranian American military veteran who organized one of Trump's inaugural balls discusses mixed feelings. Plus, we profile a former child soldier from Nepal who's now a top long-distance mountain runner.
45m Apr 17, 2017
45m
Inside North Korea, 'Guess my country,' soda for Thai ghosts
A BBC reporter gains rare access to North Korea, ahead of a big holiday there. Also, why people in South Korea don't seem that worried about a possible military confrontation with the North. Plus, why ghosts in Thailand prefer red Fanta.
45m Apr 14, 2017
45m
Is it a 'nasty' world? Lula and Simba are safe & Lebanese-American comedian Nemr
President Trump says the world is a "nasty" place right now. Today we ask, just how "nasty" are things around the globe? Also, an update on the nastiness in Venezuela. Plus, a Lebanese-American stand-up who turns nastiness into comedy.
46m Apr 13, 2017
46m
Filing taxes while undocumented, Mexican porpoises under threat, what Miles told Zucchero
Undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes every year, now they face a dilemma under President Trump. Also, why are corporate taxes in the US so much higher than in other countries? Plus wisdom from a woman 117 years young.
46m Apr 12, 2017
46m
Global PR disaster for United, World Cup bids, and young Cubans worried about the future
A video of a United passenger being forcibly removed from a plane sparks calls for a boycott in China. Also, why the US, Mexico and Canada want to host soccer's World Cup together. Plus, young Cuban professionals worry about their future.
45m Apr 11, 2017
45m
Russia sours on Trump, a Syrian family's first Passover, Toronto's baby capybaras
Today, are US-Russia relations on the rocks? Also, the plight of one Syrian refugee mother. Plus, why President Donald Trump is good for Iranian art.
45m Apr 10, 2017
45m
Trump's strike in Syria, Syrian-American soul, and one man's deportation story
Today we explore global reaction to a US missile strike on a government airbase in Syria, and what it means for Syria, for Russia, and for US relations with China. Plus, Syrian-American soul singer Bassel Almadani takes his music to Trump country.
45m Apr 07, 2017
45m
US weighs Syria response, reporters under threat in Mexico, rough Romanian soul music
The Trump administration is considering a response to the chemical weapons attack in Syria. Also, why some young South Koreans don't worry about North Korea. Plus, who killed Ötzi the Iceman?
46m Apr 06, 2017
46m
What to expect when Trump meets Xi, border wall bids are in, Christianese
China's president gets ready to meet President Trump. Also, the history and aftermath of one immigration raid. Plus, a tour of one of the world's largest refugee camps.
46m Apr 05, 2017
46m
A suspected chemical attack in Syria, grandpa's nuclear secrets, Calais on edge again
A suspected poison gas attack in Syria leaves dozens dead. Also, a personal journey through the once-secret nuclear research facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Plus, the music of Venezuela's La Vida Boheme.
46m Apr 04, 2017
46m
Blast in St. Petersburg, Trump meets Sisi, Afro-Cuban business owners
Today's top story is the deadly blast that tore through a subway car in St. Petersburg, Russia. Also, President Trump gives his backing to Egyptian strongman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Plus, three blind Korean fans who started their own baseball podcast.
47m Apr 03, 2017
47m
'Immigrant friendly cities,' hacking your tractor, underground railroad to Mexico
Tucson says it's "immigrant friendly," but not a "sanctuary city." Plus, why US farmers are reaching out to Ukrainian hackers in a bid to fix their John Deere tractors. And, the underground railroad that ran south to Mexico.
46m Mar 31, 2017
46m
Sponsors and refugees in Canada, teaching kids about cybersecurity in Israel, Peruvian nuns who rock
Today we hear how some Canadians who've sponsored Syrian refugees over the past year are finding it hard to let go. Also, we meet Israel's first openly transgender military officer. And a Peruvian rock band with some amazing habits.
47m Mar 30, 2017
47m
Brexit process officially begins, Haitian baseball players, talking to 'the ghost of ISIS'
Britain formally begins the process of leaving the European Union. Also, the elusive ISIS leader who supposedly ran sleeper cells inside Iraq. Plus, chef Eric Ripert talks about everything from climate change to veganism, and his commitment to Buddhism.
47m Mar 29, 2017
47m
Clean power rollback, Buffalo bets on green energy, Trump's wall
President Donald Trump says rolling back the Clean Power Plan will preserve coal jobs. Also, Hungary detains migrants in shipping containers. Plus, why one Mexican company is bidding to help Trump build his wall.
47m Mar 28, 2017
47m
Protests in Russia, famine threatens four countries, what it means to be Danish
Hundreds arrested after big anti-corruption protests in Russia. Also, why famines are about more than just the lack of food. Plus, how San Francisco's version of universal health care covers undocumented immigrants.
45m Mar 27, 2017
45m
Egypt's Mubarak freed, returning to Palmyra, reporting abuse when you're undocumented
Reaction from Cairo on the release from detention of Egypt's former long-term dictator, Hosni Mubarak. Also, an Israeli-American teenager is the prime suspect in a recent wave of bomb threats made against Jewish community centers in the US. Plus, a film that's become a cultural touchstone for many Latinos in the US.
46m Mar 24, 2017
46m
Keep calm and carry on in London, unpacking 'lone wolf' attacks, and Britain's reluctant astronaut
How groups like ISIS seek to influence so-called "lone wolf" attackers. Plus, life in Cuba, post-Fidel. And, a conversation with a British citizen who recently won a contest for a seat on a commercial space flight ... but isn't really sure he wants to go.
46m Mar 23, 2017
46m
Attacks in London, Russia the boogeyman, and health care Finland-style
A deadly attack today in central London caused the Houses of Parliament to go into a security lockdown. Also, the increasingly dark view of Russia in Washington. And, Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef, in exile in the US, is trying to jump-start his career in a very different environment.
45m Mar 22, 2017
45m
Electronics ban or Muslim laptop ban? Death of Martin McGuinness, and the model minority myth
The new travel restriction announced by the Trump administration limit the electronic devices you can carry on US-bound flights from 10 airports in eight Muslim-majority countries. Also, Russians reat to the FBI's investigation into allegations of Russian meddling in the US election. The Kremlin denies the allegations, saying US officials are "confused" and "going around in circles." And, music...
44m Mar 21, 2017
44m
FBI head confirms investigation of Russia-Trump links, Chuck Berry's favorite curry, Havana's drag scene
The FBI confirms it's investigating potential links between Russia and the Trump campaign. Also, there are concerns about the new head of a major newspaper in London: he has no journalism experience, but used to be a cabinet official. And we find the restaurant in Nottingham, England, where Chuck Berry always went for curry.
46m Mar 20, 2017
46m
Trump and Merkel meet, East-West culture gap explained, kids' virtual tug of war
Today, how Korean senior citizens in Queens would feel Trump's budget cuts. Also, author Gish Jen on the East-West culture gap. And an unlikely friendship forged by the legacy of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
45m Mar 17, 2017
45m
Travel ban on hold again, Trump's budget cuts climate funding, girls learn self-defense in Jordan
Today, President Donald Trump's second immigration and refugee ban is on hold, just like the first. We hear from two Syrian doctors who survived the siege of Aleppo. And a female boxer in Jordan teaches girls to take self-defense into their own hands.
47m Mar 16, 2017
47m
Europe's far-right, Putin's would-be challenger, the hawks of Trafalgar Square
Today, we take a look at the far-right candidates who've been pushing to make electoral gains in Europe. Also, we consider the history of a pro-Nazi summer camp in Wisconsin. Plus, how British officials are keeping the pigeons out of London's Trafalgar Square.
46m Mar 15, 2017
46m
Running out of visas, Cuba's prospects under Trump, Boaty McBoatface
Today, we talk to a US military veteran and a former Afghan interpreter about the limit on so-called "translator visas." Also, we look at the long struggle to clean up Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. Plus, an update on British submarine Boaty McBoatface.
45m Mar 14, 2017
45m
Home alone at the State Dept, Trump's Indonesian business partner, visa rules for bands
46m Mar 13, 2017
46m
The world's best infrastructure, US troops in Syria, Chicano Batman
Today we answer this question: If America gets a D+ for infrastructure, who gets an A? (Sweden.) Also, celebrations in South Korea after the president is ousted. And the addictive retro funk sounds of LA-based band Chicano Batman.
45m Mar 10, 2017
45m
The debate over US sanctuary cities, why so few women work in Jordan, collecting old passports
Today, we hear arguments for and against US cities offering sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. Also, why Russia makes the perfect scapegoat for Americans right now. And music from Upper Volta, a country that no longer exists.
45m Mar 09, 2017
45m
Russia's domestic violence problem, Cuba's internet, the unfinished Trump hotel in Baku
Today, we zero in on Russia's big domestic violence problem and hear about two women's individual experiences. Also, the story behind Donald Trump's unfinished hotel and tower in Baku, Azerbaijan. And music from a Women's Day playlist, courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways.
44m Mar 08, 2017
44m
Who's afraid of Russia, Uganda welcomes refugees, Between Dostoevsky and Weird Al
Today, we examine the push to have California secede from the US. Plus, female leadership in Africa. And, we remember Puerto Rican actress Miriam Colon.
46m Mar 07, 2017
46m
New Trump travel ban, North Korean missiles, Catalan independence
First today, President Trump signs a new travel ban. Then, we look at a Republican lawmaker in Hawaii considering switching parties. And, a special school in Lebanon that offers help, and hope, to Syrian refugee kids.
45m Mar 06, 2017
45m
Thousands flee Mosul, checking in on Lydia the shark, Polish punk
Indian students rethink coming to the US to study after last week's shooting in Kansas. Also, does Trump's rhetoric help ISIS recruit? Plus, Polish punk rocker Tomek Lipinski.
45m Mar 03, 2017
45m
Russia's rumpled ambassador, vacancies at the State Department, Haiti's original boy band
The Trump administration's Russia problem continues. Also, we'll find out why some Syrian Muslim refugees are converting to Christianity. Plus, Haiti's original boy band calls it quits.
46m Mar 02, 2017
46m
Different tone, same policies from Trump, the rural vote in France, Korean fried chicken
President Trump's speech to Congress may have sounded more presidential, but the message, especially on immigration, stayed largely the same. Also, what the Pentagon could do with an extra $54 billion. Plus, why South Koreans love their fried chicken.
46m Mar 01, 2017
46m
Trump's plan to boost Pentagon budget, an immigration raid alert app, war elephants
President Donald Trump wants more military spending and cuts for diplomacy. Plus, how businesses in Mexico are reacting to Trump's trade policies. And the history of war elephants.
46m Feb 28, 2017
46m
Kansas shooting reverberates in India, Pochekun, and 'world music' at 30
The fatal shooting of an Indian engineer in Kansas is felt across the US and in India. Plus, the Iranian scientist who accepted the Oscar for best foreign language film. And, we talk "world music" with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.
46m Feb 27, 2017
46m
VX and Kim Jong-nam, ditching the ICC, theater before Shakespeare
The chemical weapon VX and its use in the killing of the North Korean leader's half brother. Plus, why several African countries want to ditch the International Criminal Court. And, how the theater scene developed in London — before Shakespeare's time.
46m Feb 24, 2017
46m
Mexico scorns Trump's proposal, Poland's debate over history, confusing the Texas and Chilean flags
Mexicans are reacting to President Donald Trump's moves on border security, deportations and trade. Also, Poland's version of the battle over alternative facts. Plus, why people are using the Chilean flag emoji when they're texting about Texas.
45m Feb 23, 2017
45m
Deportation details, sheriff cheers Trump, Bye-bye Bao Bao
We dive deep into the new guidance for immigration enforcement just unveiled by the Trump administration. Also, how President Trump's rhetoric on trade and China could have a big impact on US colleges and universities. Plus, the US says goodbye to Bao Bao the panda.
46m Feb 22, 2017
46m
Who is H.R. McMaster? 'Play nice' says EPA's new chief, Oldies on Bulgaria radio
Today we learn more about the man chosen by President Donald Trump to be his next national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster. Plus, how Morocco is betting big on solar energy. And, why people in Bulgaria are listening to more pre-war music on the radio.
45m Feb 21, 2017
45m
Travel ban uncertainty, women and national security, mixed feelings from Brexit voters
Today, how uncertainty over President Trump's travel ban is keeping some scientists away from the US. Also, Syrian refugees are grateful for the help they get in Canada. And Brexit voters in one English town have mixed feelings about immigration.
45m Feb 20, 2017
45m
Trump worries Europe, immigrants leave US for Canada, K-pop school in New York.
What's normal and what's not about Trump's first month in office? Also, can the media remember world news beyond the US president? Plus, a visit to a New York school where you can learn how to be a Korean pop star.
45m Feb 17, 2017
45m
Sanctuary campuses, Trump fails to denounce anti-Semitism, Kim Jong-nam's mysterious murder
Immigrants in some US cities stayed home Thursday to show how critical they are for their industries and their communities. An Iraqi who runs a cafe in Washington, DC, supports the action, but says what's really needed is meaningful immigration reform. Also, President Donald Trump gets asked twice in two days what he's doing to stem a rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents. Plus, a retired profe...
44m Feb 16, 2017
44m
Leaks rock White House, Trump abandons two-state policy, DJ Panko's musical weapon
How satirists around the globe are responding to recent events in Washington. Plus, support for President Trump's travel ban from Hindu Indian Americans. And a reporter's personal story of defying Iran's ban on women attending sporting events.
46m Feb 15, 2017
46m
Flynn's resignation, drawing Trump as a Jihadist, Chicano valentines
The resignation of Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor rocks the Trump Administration — our top story today. Also, we hear from a Cuban American artist who created a controversial cover for the German magazine Der Spiegel. Plus, meet a San Francisco artist who creates Valentine's Day images that mix pink hearts with politics and Latino pop culture.
45m Feb 14, 2017
45m
Goodbye NAFTA?, a return to Cuba, and soul-singer Zeshan B.
Trump's plan to build a border wall and renegotiate NAFTA may be strengthening the hand of Mexican politicians opposed to that country's current president. Meanwhile, if NAFTA does up for renegotiation, is that such a bad thing? And a conversation with Indian-American musician and Chicago native Zeshan B. about his rendition of the '70s soul protest song "Cryin' in the Streets."
45m Feb 13, 2017
45m