A new US-Mexico trade deal, France’s environment minister resigns, French Open bans Serena Williams’ body suit
What really changes with a new trade agreement between the US and Mexico? The two countries have agreed on several updates to NAFTA and President Trump has indicated he's okay with moving forward without Canada if they don't agree to sign on. Also, the environment minister in France resigns during a live radio interview in frustration at his failure to push through an environmental agenda. And,...
47m Aug 28, 2018
47m
Remembering John McCain in Vietnam and his immigration legacy, and climate change and nutrient deficiencies
In Vietnam, the media have put out tributes to John McCain who died on Saturday. Even some ordinary citizens have laid flowers at the lake where he crash landed in 1967. Listen for more on how McCain is being remembered in Vietnam. Plus, McCain's views on immigration and how his passing could influence future immigration debates. And, how climate change could end up making the food we eat less ...
48m Aug 27, 2018
48m
The story behind Trump's South Africa tweet, cobalt mining in the DRC and Aleppo soap
A tweet from President Donald Trump about white farmers in South Africa appeared to borrow from talking points used by South African white nationalists. And it came right after Fox News covered the same ground. Also, how long working hours could be hurting Japanese society. And amid a heatwave, some flamingos in Britain lay eggs for the first time in 15 years.
46m Aug 24, 2018
46m
Still waiting for power in Puerto Rico, housing refugees in Toronto, the set-jetting crowd
Some residents in Puerto Rico are still waiting to get their electricity back on almost a year after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island. Canada struggles to find enough housing for refugees fleeing President Trump's immigration crackdown. Plus, the set-jetting trend, where people travel the world to check out locations where their favorite TV shows were filmed.
48m Aug 23, 2018
48m
Manafort verdict rattles Ukraine, medical marijuana in Lebanon, Ireland hosts the Pope
Robert Mueller's investigation and Paul Manafort's trial have brought to light evidence implicating several Ukrainian oligarchs in financial crimes. But authorities in Ukraine are nervous about Manafort's convictions, fearing blowback from the Trump White House. Also, Lebanon considers medical marijuana. And, a look ahead to the Pope's visit to Ireland.
47m Aug 22, 2018
47m
Another Russian hacker attack, South Korea's bunker business, former Nazi guard deported
Microsoft says a group of Russian hackers, known as Fancy Bear, tried to hack conservative US think tanks ahead of the midterm elections. Also, the Trump administration announces its proposal to replace Obama's Clean Power Plan and end the so-called "war on coal." Plus, southern India surveys the devastation from massive rainfall and floods.
49m Aug 21, 2018
49m
The Pope pens a letter, remembering Kofi Annan, Greece exits bailout
Pope Francis reacts to the sex abuse scandal in the US, issuing a letter on Monday addressing a mounting crisis in the Catholic Church surrounding the sexual abuse of children by priests. Plus, we remember the former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, who died Saturday at the age of 80. Veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson tells host Carol Hills that Annan's gentle diplomacy didn't sh...
46m Aug 20, 2018
46m
Lives put on hold by Trump's travel ban, Google employees protest China plans and Soviet-era cartoons
The Trump administration is reportedly proposing a big cut in the US foreign aid budget, and senators on both sides of the aisle in Congress are objecting loudly. Then, we look at how the Yemeni community in the US has been affected by President Donald Trump's travel ban. And quinceañera dancers for hire.
47m Aug 17, 2018
47m
Bannon's European movement, French crows as trash collectors, remembering the Queen of Soul
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon wants to create a populist right-wing movement that spans Europe. We'll hear what that means from one of Bannon's European allies. Also, a French amusement park has a new way to do clean-ups: by training crows to pick up trash. And, how Aretha Franklin is being remembered in Soweto, South Africa.
47m Aug 16, 2018
47m
Canadian guns, Baja fishing bans, 'Crazy Rich Asians'
The debate over gun control is heating up in Canada after an unusual number of deadly shootings took place there. Canadians say they're worried that gun culture is changing, influenced by the US. Also, we continue our series on family separations in decades past. KQED's Sasha Khokha considers the psychological impact of one woman's childhood separation from her parents. Plus, it's been decades ...
46m Aug 15, 2018
46m
A family separated, the Iraqi spy who infiltrated ISIS, and don't toss out that coffee cup
The Iraqi spy who infiltrated ISIS — Capt. Harith al-Sudani, a member of an Iraqi counterterrorism unit — spent months posing as an ISIS militant. The New York Times Baghdad bureau chief Margaret Coker tells host Carol Hills about Sudani and the intelligence unit he worked for. Also, we learn about the US government's history of separating children from their parents. Plus, what does a German b...
47m Aug 14, 2018
47m
Turkey makes accusations about US, better to-go cups, the death penalty in Myanmar
There are a lot of ups and downs in the US-Iran relationship. Host Carol Hills speaks with reporter Thomas Erdbrink about what it's like to live in Tehran as one of just a few Western reporters left in the city. And, the latest on rising tensions between the US and Turkey. Plus, we learn about the life of Louisa Adams, the wife of President John Quincy Adams.
47m Aug 13, 2018
47m
CIA director authorized torture, Braille in the age of the internet, music in 1968
Newly declassified CIA memos written by current CIA director Gina Haspel reveal torture techniques at a secret US prison in Thailand. Also, the mother of Osama Bin Laden speaks out. And a look back at the songs that topped the charts during the first week of August around the world and through the decades.
46m Aug 10, 2018
46m
Beat-the-heat, ice cream in Cuba, speaking Basque
It's been a long, hot summer with near record temperatures around the world. In Berlin, some are finding relief by going underground into old World War II bunkers. Plus, how ice cream in Cuba reveals the growing divide between rich and poor. Also, how the Basque language survived.
47m Aug 09, 2018
47m
Conspiracy theories across borders, third-culture kids, cannabis drinks in Canada
What is the appeal of conspiracy theories around the world? We compare Russia's fascination with such theories to that of the US. Also, the decision to keep or remove conspiracy theories on the internet differs from country to country. And, the challenges of language when you're a "third-culture kid."
48m Aug 08, 2018
48m
Canada and Saudia Arabia feud, the word 'hen,' sunflower selfies
A public spat between Canada and Saudi Arabia gets out of hand on social media. Also, one Mexican restaurant is offering relief for firefighters in northern California. And, the word "hen" has new meaning for a gender-neutral pronoun.
46m Aug 07, 2018
46m
Questions over alleged assassination attempt in Venezuela, the letter X, help for California firefighters
Monday marks the 73rd anniversary since the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. We meet one of the survivors who dedicated his life to finding the truth about the number of people who died in the bombing. Also, was it a coup plot behind an attempted assassination of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro? And, we learn about the letter X. It's all part of a week-long series on language and social...
48m Aug 06, 2018
48m
Not enemies of the people, Toastmasters Ramallah and drought during the Maya collapse
The UN warns that President Donald Trump's attacks on the media may trigger violence against journalists in the US. Also, climate scientists in Iceland venture out into some of the worst weather you can imagine, to learn more about a key part of our planet's climate system. Plus, we learn about "entre chien et loup," a unique French expression for "dusk."
46m Aug 03, 2018
46m
Threats to the midterms, identifying remains from North Korea, Google and China
Leaders in the US intelligence community say Russia is still trying to interfere in American elections. Also, the long process of identifying the remains of American service members lost during the Korean War. Plus, Google is making moves to re-enter the Chinese market.
46m Aug 02, 2018
46m
Sweden's plane protester, 3D-printed guns, 'This Is Iraq'
We speak to the Swedish activist who tried to halt the deportation of an Afghan man put on a plane. She tells us there's more to the story the media hasn't picked up on. Plus, courts have put a stop to the release of blueprints for a 3D-printed gun. It's a temporary measure, but how easy it is to print a 3D gun and what is the possible impact? And, we find out about the story behind the music v...
47m Aug 01, 2018
47m
Iran rejects Trump's offer, weaponizing immigrant data, sanctuary for LGBTQ asylum-seekers
Iran rejects the offer to meet with President Donald Trump. Plus, trade tensions impact soy farmers in Illinois. And, foreign spies at American universities.
47m Jul 31, 2018
47m
Ethiopian's prime minister is in Minnesota, Trump threatens shutdown, Australian musician Tash Sultana
Ethiopia's prime minister Abiy Ahmed visits Minneapolis as part of a three-city US tour, and we look at recent changes in Ethiopia which include making peace with neighboring Eritrea, freeing political prisoners and putting a stop to ethnic conflict. Also, there are presidential elections taking place in Zimbabwe and music from Australian singer Tash Sultana.
48m Jul 30, 2018
48m
Northern hemisphere feels the heat, Pakistani election outcome, Google celebrates Soviet chess champion
The US, Greece and several other nations in the northern hemisphere are battling deadly wildfires and extreme heat. Also, a group of parents in San Diego sue the school district over an anti-Islamophobia program. Plus, a Japanese mayor challenges sumo's ban on women entering the ring.
45m Jul 27, 2018
45m
Deadline to reunite immigrant children and parents, hacking US electric companies, long-toed lizards
Thursday was deadline day for the Trump administration to reunite hundreds of migrant children with their parents. Plus, US tariffs are making life hard for small newspapers. And why lizards with long toes can survive a hurricane.
46m Jul 26, 2018
46m
Trade war patience, childless in China, parenting across borders
President Trump asks for patience on trade and tariffs, but economists worry. Plus, a former steel town re-invents itself. And, growing up along the US-Mexico border with family on both sides.
46m Jul 25, 2018
46m
North Korea starts dismantling missile facility, return to Kuku island, sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers
North Korea starts to dismantle a key missile facility. Plus, why some Syrian refugees have decided to leave Lebanon and go back home to Syria. And, we travel with some Vietnamese refugees back to an Indonesian island called Kuku to find the graves of their relatives.
46m Jul 24, 2018
46m
Trump threatens Iran, a migrant escapes sex work and Jonathan Gold dies at 57
President Trump has made threats against Iran. We hear about a German soccer star's complaints of racism. Plus, we remember Los Angeles Times food critic Jonathan Gold and his ability to capture the different cultures and cuisines.
46m Jul 23, 2018
46m
Rhetoric and reality on Russia, when does world history begin and fake news from Macedonia has a Nevada connection
The news cycle this week has been dominated by words from President Trump regarding Russia. But what's the reality behind the rhetoric? High School students in Advanced Placement world history classes are being exposed to a controversial new curriculum: history now begins in the year 1200. And some Macedonian teens were putting out fake news during the 2016 US elections. Turns out they were get...
47m Jul 20, 2018
47m
Putin's 'incredible offer,' a global sand crisis and Egypt's Jon Stewart comes to Los Angeles
President Donald Trump called it an "incredible offer" from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin offered to allow US investigators to question some Russians about US election hacking, and in exchange, the Kremlin would be allowed to question 11 Americans, including a former US ambassador to Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with that ambassador, Michael McFaul. And sand mining is becoming a b...
47m Jul 19, 2018
47m
Homeland Security Advisory Council resignations, soybean tariffs, Thai boys speak publicly
We're putting the focus back on President Trump's immigration policy. Four members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council resigned this week. They cited the Trump administration's "morally repugnant, counter-productive and ill-considered" family separation policy. Also, some of the children who were separated from their parents at the border were housed inside a vacant Phoenix office buildin...
47m Jul 18, 2018
47m
What is treason? Russia dodges on MH17, Joan Baez reflects on our times.
What's the fallout from US President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin? Is the word "treason" a fair way to describe Trump's performance? Plus, the arrest of a Russian national and friend to the NRA. And, protest music past and present with Joan Baez.
47m Jul 17, 2018
47m
Trump-Putin summit, pause in deporting families and a Thai coach controversy
President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Finland on Monday to discuss nuclear arms, energy and collusion — but it was their press conference that has people talking. Also, reaction to protests staged by the Russian group Pussy Riot during the men's World Cup final in Russia. And, we hear how France is celebrating its World Cup triumph, and the many players with immigrant roots who helpe...
47m Jul 16, 2018
47m
New Russia indictments, the limits of satire and Trump-Putin summit looms
The US Department of Justice has announced the indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officers for interfering in the 2016 presidential race. Plus, we look back at a 1961 summit between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev. It was a meeting that has some parallels to Monday's summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. And, musicians from Borneo and Easter Island tell us what its like to li...
47m Jul 13, 2018
47m
Trump and Putin summit preview, Paraguay's #MeToo, ditching plastic straws
President Donald Trump is not very popular in the UK, but there's a lot of support for him in the pro-Brexit, working-class town of Kent. Plus, Trump suggests he and Russian President Vladimir Putin could "be friends." But is Putin on board? And is phasing out plastic straws a big ecological victory or just a feel-good gesture?
46m Jul 12, 2018
46m
Trump and NATO, illegal abortion abroad, and the World Cup via Tinder
President Trump starts off the NATO summit on a controversial note. Also, a Philadelphia company that exports its ice cream to China could be impacted by the current trade war. Plus, a hidden rainbow flag campaign in Russia.
47m Jul 11, 2018
47m
Kavanaugh on the environment, ICE in Vermont, quesadillas without cheese?
Brett Kavanaugh is President Donald Trump's nominee to replace Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. We'll look at his record on climate change. Also, a task force is reviewing the records of thousands of immigrants who have become US citizens. They're looking for flaws, mistakes and fraud. Plus, we learn about an ICE call center in Vermont.
45m Jul 10, 2018
45m
Thai cave rescue continues, vaccination in Italy, over-turning Supreme Court decisions
Divers rescue more boys from a flooded cave in northern Thailand. Also, an 8-year-old girl and her mom, separated at the border, are finally reunited after almost two months apart. But the mother worries about the future. Plus, President Trump heads to London later this week and a giant balloon characterizing Trump as a baby is ready to greet him.
47m Jul 09, 2018
47m
Reuniting children and families separated at the border, a 'toy doctor,' Mexico's long transition of power
47m Jul 06, 2018
47m
The Iran nuclear deal, a play about young migrants, stopping disinformation on WhatsApp
46m Jul 05, 2018
46m
Poland's Supreme Court, Yemenis in South Korea, Independence Day in the Philippines
46m Jul 04, 2018
46m
Thailand rescue, TSA housing for Puerto Ricans, summit diplomacy
The rescue to save 12 boys and their soccer coach in Thailand could take months. Also, changes to the law in France leaves tens of thousands of university applicants with no spot for the fall. And, Artificial Intelligence analyzes crowd reactions at Wimbledon.
46m Jul 03, 2018
46m
Mexico's election results, Rebel Pepper, French singer Bertrand Cantat cancels tour
A leftist candidate scored a big victory in Sunday's presidential vote in Mexico. Also, the mayor of Annapolis, Maryland, grew up in Australia and tells us he's looking at last week's deadly shooting at their local newspaper from an outsider's perspective. Plus, the story of two friends, separated decades ago during China's Cultural Revolution, now unexpectedly reunited in Hong Kong.
45m Jul 02, 2018
45m
Violence against journalists, EU migration heats up and France's Black Blanc Beur of 1998
Today, we start with a look at newsrooms around the globe, mourning journalists killed in Annapolis, Maryland, on Thursday. And, Vice President Mike Pence tells central American leaders to do more to stop migrants coming to the US. But what are the factors that are pushing people to leave the region in the first place? Also, we take you back to 1998 when France won the World Cup with a racially...
46m Jun 29, 2018
46m
Ukraine's booming surrogacy market, travel ban waivers and abortion around the world post-Kennedy
Today, we ask what impact will the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy have on the future of abortion rights in the US — and worldwide? Plus, we get an update on a wrenching audio recording of a 6-year-old Salvadoran girl who remains in immigration officials' custody without her parents. And, our series on the global surrogacy industry takes us to Ukraine where a booming surroga...
46m Jun 28, 2018
46m
Abolish ICE? The impacts of toxic stress on kids, Wyoming harnesses the wind
Some critics of Donald Trump's immigration policies want to abolish ICE. We find out what dismantling the agency would mean. Also, how Algeria has been deporting thousands of sub-Saharan migrants, by dropping them off in the desert. Plus, how Wyoming, a state built on coal, now has an opportunity to promote wind power.
46m Jun 27, 2018
46m
Travel ban upheld, Wyoming looks beyond coal, life without power in Puerto Rico
The US Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's travel ban, which includes five majority-Muslim countries, is constitutional. We explore the legal implications going forward. Also, Wyoming towns are rethinking their economic future beyond coal. And, we visit one of the hottest venues for live music in Mexico City: A small apartment on a residential block that hosts bands on ...
46m Jun 26, 2018
46m
No due process, Erdoğan re-elected and your brain on improv.
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump suggested via Twitter that people who cross the US border without papers should be sent back "immediately with no Judges or court cases." So what due process protections are in place for undocumented immigrants? We'll take a look. Plus, why the Guatemalan government turned to an LGBTQ advocacy group to help train officials at the federal prosecutor's off...
46m Jun 25, 2018
46m
Where things stand on immigration, Europe’s new migrant crisis, lifting Saudi Arabia’s driving band on women
We explore further what happens next to the children already separated from their families along the border. Also, the challenge that some immigrant families face with kids born in the US. And, an update on this week’s dramatic World Cup.
46m Jun 22, 2018
46m
What's next for zero-tolerance, MIT's connections to slavery, Spinal Tap
Thousands of immigrant children already separated from their families are still in limbo. Plus, we look at the effects of government policies around the globe meant to deter migrants and asylum-seekers. And a young Somali man who won the visa lottery to come to the US years ago ended up settling in Maine. He has a new memoir about his escape from Mogadishu and his changing impressions of his ne...
46m Jun 21, 2018
46m
Trump's reversal on family separation, a doctor consoles a migrant child, Britain's green energy might not be so green
After an outcry over family separations, President Donald Trump signs an executive order to reverse his own policy. Coal power will soon be a thing of the past in the UK, but one alternative source of energy might not be all that environmentally friendly. We hear the story of a Chinese immigrant who was separated from his family by US immigration authorities in the 1930s. And Iceland takes the ...
47m Jun 20, 2018
47m