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PRI: Latest Stories

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Updated 2023-05-27 14:33
Is the fictional film 'The Kerala Story' cautionary or propaganda?
“The Kerala Story” is a fictionalized film that has sparked debate in India. It's about Hindu women being tricked into joining ISIS. The filmmakers say they are uncovering a hidden truth, while others say the film is exaggerated and divisive.
Ukrainian rock band Vopli Vidopliassova and fans rediscover an old hit
​​​​​​​In 1989, the Ukrainian punk rock band Vopli Vidopliassova released an album called “Tantsi” or “Dances.” In 2019, the original session tape was rediscovered, and in 2023, Tantsi was finally officially released.
After Taliban ban, women NGO workers in Afghanistan struggle to make ends meet
​​​​​​​Last December, in yet another blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban announced a ban on women working for nongovernmental organizations. Thousands of women lost their jobs overnight. The months since have been some of the most difficult for the women NGO workers.
Will Brazil’s ‘Fake News Bill’ regulate disinformation or stifle free speech?
Brazil ranks third in the world for the most social media usage, following India and Indonesia. Now, a controversial, 3-year-old bill is weaving its way through Congress. It could regulate social media platforms in the same way as TV and radio. The “Fake News Bill” has staunch supporters, but some also accuse it of being a form of censorship.
90% of the cars on Ghana's roads are imported used cars. Many are polluting or unsafe.
US consumers have plenty of reasons to snap up electric vehicles. They are helping the US meet its climate goals, and new owners may qualify for a tax credit. But some of their old cars end up on roads across Africa. These vehicles provide vital transportation in poor countries, but they also cause pollution and are unsafe.
‘Back to normal’ at Jerusalem’s holiest site
Authorities managed to avoid a worst-case scenario at the holiest site in Jerusalem during the overlapping religious holidays of Easter, Passover and Ramadan that ended a few weeks ago. Now, things are returning to normal at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Starting over in France: How some Ukrainian families are trying to embrace their new lives
For many Ukrainians and Russians who’ve fled their homes since the war started, returning is not an option. So, they’re beginning again in new places and confronting new challenges. As part of our ongoing series on starting over, we visit Cazilhac, a tiny village in southwest France, where a humanitarian bus brought dozens of Ukrainian families to safety around a year ago. Today, just three of them remain.
Afghans who fled to the US hope that Congress will fix their status
After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban almost two years ago in August, tens of thousands of Afghans made their way to the United States. They were allowed to stay under a program called “humanitarian parole.” But that status expires in a couple of months, and although they can renew one time, many are calling for Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow them to seek more permanent status.
Ethnic minorities in Russia are campaigning for the breakup of the country
​​​​​​​Russia's long persecuted ethnic minorities — Buryats, Chechens and Yakuts — have seized on the war in Ukraine to make a case for the independence of their own regions. They say the conflict has laid bare Russia's violent and imperial mentality, not just in Eastern Europe, but within its own borders.
Ukraine's air defense adapts with more sophisticated technology, equipment
Over the weekend, President Joe Biden announced that the US will support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots. Administration officials also said that the US will allow its allies to supply Ukraine with advanced fighter jets, including US-made F-16s. The battle for air superiority in Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia's invasion, and now, Ukraine hopes that F-16s can help them counteract Russia's advantages.
‘We were treated as disposable beings’: Waste pickers in Colombia fought for their rights after 11 murders
The people who collect garbage for recycling organized among themselves to change how they are paid and how they are treated. Today, waste pickers are officially recognized as part of the municipal waste system.
Factory that made essential therapeutic food for malnourished children in Sudan burns down
Meanwhile, the ongoing fighting in Sudan continues to make it difficult for aid to get into the country, leaving many children at risk of starvation.
This fashion brand modernizes Ukraine’s traditional vyshyvanka shirt and dress to reflect wartime
​​​​​​​Despite the ongoing attacks, Ukrainians around the world are celebrating Vyshyvanka Day on Thursday. The vyshyvanka is an elaborately embroidered shirt or dress traditionally worn in Ukraine.
In Mumbai, waste pickers do the heavy lifting of recycling
Waste pickers collect and send garbage to Dharavi, an informal settlement where thousands of recyclers live and work. They sort through the piles, and clean and separate the different types of materials destined for a second or third life. Without them, much of the city's trash would end up in incinerators or dumped in landfills.
Afghan families traverse most of Latin America to seek asylum at the US border
The US government changed the rules governing how people can seek asylum at the US-Mexico border last week, as a pandemic-era policy called Title 42 expired. Although it may become more difficult, thousands of people are still making their way from South America to the US border, including migrants from all over the world. Some are making their way through the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle that separates Colombia and Panama.
The hacker Bassterlord in his own words: Portrait of an access broker as a young man
He started off doing simple phishing attacks. But the Russian, who is known as Bassterlord, soon graduated to planting ransomware in emails, holding companies' data hostage. And he quickly became one of the best. In her exclusive interview with the hacker, Dina Temple-Raston of the "Click Here" podcast delves into the ransomware underworld.
Migrants stranded in Mexico rush to cross the US border before Title 42 ends
​​​​​​​The number of migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the border appears to be dwindling. Shelters in cities like Ciudad Juárez are emptying as many migrants have decided to surrender to US authorities before Title 42 ends on Thursday evening.
Negotiations continue in Saudi Arabia to end fighting in Sudan
Talks are underway in Saudi Arabia to end the fighting in Sudan. But so far, there’s been no major breakthrough. The World’s Shirin Jaafari spoke with Fahad Nazer, spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in Washington, about where the talks are headed.
Russian artists in exile create new identity and work
At the start of the war in Ukraine, much of Russia's cultural elite fled the country, including playwrights, filmmakers, artist and curators. A year on, they have established themselves in new cities across the world, a century after a previous exodus of Russian writers and artists reshaped global culture.
Migration across Darién Gap changes Colombian village’s economy
In the small village of Capurgana, at the entrance to the Darién jungle and near Colombia’s border with Panama, hundreds of villagers now work as guides and porters leading migrants across the rainforest.
An attack at Africa's oldest synagogue leaves Jews on a pilgrimage in Tunisia concerned
The Ghriba synagogue is the oldest in Africa and is the destination for an annual Jewish pilgrimage on the island of Djerba. The World's Marco Werman spoke with Daniel Lee, a historian of the Jews of France and North Africa at Queen Mary University of London, about the ancient house of worship and an attack there on Tuesday.
Ukrainian refugees create their own school in Romania
Ukrainian refugees who fled abroad often struggle to find work and a suitable school for their children. In Bucharest, Romania, two Ukrainian mothers came up with a solution: create their own school.
As Title 42 ends, more migrants from South America are crossing the Darién jungle en route to US
In Capurgana, a small town on the southern edge of the Darién Gap in Colombia, about 300 people are arriving each day to make the grueling trek across the jungle, which lasts three to four days.
In Sudan, volunteers step up to help those caught in the crossfire
While many Sudanese are fleeing the country, most people remain trapped in their homes as food and medical supplies dwindle. In the absence of outside help, neighborhood committees have formed to bring in food and water and to check on people's welfare.
Japanese restaurants use AI to combat sushi terrorism
​​​​​​​The latest disturbing TikTok trend in Japan features young pranksters who are contaminating sushi that is served on conveyor belts in restaurants. They share videos of themselves licking sushi rolls or otherwise contaminating plates and condiments. Some restaurants are using AI to fight back.
A shaky political situation in Pakistan could get worse with arrest of former PM Imran Khan
Paramilitary troops arrested former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan during a court appearance on Tuesday, sparking protests and complicating an already-fragile political situation in the country.
El Fuego volcano erupts in Guatemala
​​​​​​​The El Fuego volcano in Guatemala spewed lava and ash over part of the country last week. Thousands evacuated the area, and many more were exposed to dangerous ash.
More migrants cross US-Mexico border days before restrictions end
With Title 42 restrictions set to end on May 11, migrants have been crossing into the US in large numbers. There are now as many as 2,500 migrants camped out in downtown El Paso, Texas. The city's mayor, who estimates that 10,000-12,000 more people are in Juárez, waiting to cross, has declared a state of emergency.
This 80-year-old pudding maker in Tokyo goes viral for his flan-flinging flair
For more than five decades now, Shizuo Mori, now 80, has been waking up at 4 a.m. to prepare the famous flan-style puddings he serves at Hecklen, his cozy corner café in Tokyo’s Toranomon neighborhood.
El Salvador president's popularity soars with controversial approach to crime
President Nayib Bukele has enjoyed a sky-high approval rating of 91% for his crackdown on crime. But thousands of families say their sons and husbands have been unjustly imprisoned under his recent suspension of civil liberties.
Israel’s ‘judicial coup’ protests are going strong. They still might fail.
After turning out tens of thousands of anti-government protesters every weekend for more than four months, they did it again. On Saturday night, more than 100,000 people turned out in central Tel Aviv to say no to the government's plans for judicial reform.
Liverpool steps in to host Eurovision Song Contest
Last year's winners from Ukraine are unable to host in-country this year due to ongoing conflict with Russia, so Liverpool is stepping in. To learn more about it, The World's Carol Hills spoke to Dr. Eurovision, himself, Paul Jordan.
How a group of Cuban female musicians claimed a drum —and a tradition
The legendary group Obiní Batá is celebrating 30 years of music and women’s empowerment in Cuba. But the road to acceptance and success was not easy.
Crowdsourcing morality: How an app allows the Iraqi government to arrest ‘indecent’ influencers
Digital and human rights activists say Ballegh’s very existence flies in the face of free speech provisions enshrined in Iraq’s post-Saddam Hussein constitution 20 years ago.
Young people in Spain use punk rock to vent their frustrations
In Spain, there have been an increasing number of punk concerts taking place each month, with the genre seeing a rise in popularity.
Energy workers in France threaten power cuts over retirement age
France's energy union has threatened mass power cuts over Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age after months of violent street protests. The powerful CGT union has already cut power to an airport and school that the president was visiting this month.
Animal species are evolving to adjust to climate change, but scientists say time is running out
Scientists have been studying changes in animal physiology and behavior, some of which they believe are linked to rising global temperatures. They say the adaptations are beneficial, but may have limitations in the long term.
Palestinians celebrate a new generation of West Bank militants
Israelis see the Lions' Den group as terrorists, blaming it for a rise in shooting attacks. But in Nablus, many Palestinians hail these men as brave fighters standing up to the Israeli occupation.
Georgian politicians from Russian-occupied Abkhazia run a ‘government-in-exile’
Many people living in Georgia who fled Abkhazia in 1993 now say they are dissatisfied with the politicians in charge of their needs.
New Kings and Queens soccer leagues enlist internet stars to revamp sport
The game is loosely based on soccer, but immersed in video game culture and reality TV antics. In Barcelona, Spain, the second season of the Kings League kicks off the first weekend of May alongside the first season of the Queens League. This summer, the Prince Cup will launch for kids ages 9 to 11.
How a Boston hospital transformed a Ukrainian child’s life
UN human rights groups have recorded over 500 children killed and nearly 1,000 injured from the Ukraine war. The Ukrainian hospital system has been overwhelmed, and only a fraction of injured children, like 6-year-old Karolina Daremyan, have been able to make the journey to the US for complicated medical procedures and rehabilitation.
‘Trade is trade and war is war’: Romanian farmers say helping Ukraine is hurting their bottom line
A row over cheap Ukrainian grain threatens to fracture a show of solidarity between the EU and Ukraine. Romanian farmer Ionut Spiță said his profits took a hit due to a glut of cheaper Ukrainian grain and oilseeds intended for Africa and the Middle East that flooded Eastern European markets.
'Winnie and Nelson': A new book explores a fraught political partnership
Author Jonny Steinberg’s new book, "Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage," explores the complex relationship between Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, two of the world’s best-known freedom fighters. Steinberg joined The World’s host Marco Werman to discuss the fraught political partnership of these iconic revolutionaries.
Pollution from Tijuana River contaminates marine border areas
Pollution and trash carried from the Tijuana River to the Pacific Ocean have long plagued swimmers and surfers on both sides of the US-Mexico border. A recent court settlement is bringing hope for cooperation.
Portugal’s president says country should apologize, 'assume responsibility' for slave trade
This week, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said Portugal should formally apologize for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Portuguese were responsible for selling nearly 6 million people into slavery — mostly in Brazil. Some activists and scholars say an apology is just a start and there's still a long way to go.
‘Out of reach’: Over 40 academic editors leave global publishing company they say overcharged to publish their work
​​​​​​University professors and researchers depend on getting published. So it was considered a bold move when the editors of two prestigious brain journals resigned en masse this month after the publisher refused to lower the fees it charges academics to publish their work.
Indian govt removes parts of Muslim history from federal textbooks
The Indian government’s new school textbooks have significant deletions in them related to Muslims in Indian history. Some historians accuse the ruling BJP government of rewriting the country's history to suit its Hindu nationalist ideology.
El Salvador's bitcoin experiment rides on choppy seas as currency fluctuates
The bitcoin cryptocurrency has seen its ups and downs lately, gaining and losing 10% of its value in just the past week. Nowhere is this volatility felt more intensely than in El Salvador, which became the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.
Azerbaijan establishes checkpoint at Lachin Corridor, spiking tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh
More than 100,000 Armenians still live in Nagorno-Karabakh, and they depend on the Lachin Corridor as the only road that connects to the rest of Armenia.
‘You don’t know if you’re ever coming back’: Stories from a bus ride out of Khartoum
Fighting continued on Wednesday on the outskirts of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. A short-term ceasefire is in place, but the United Nations says it is only partially successful. Over the last 12 days, hundreds of people have been killed. Sudanese residents from the capital region are making tough decisions about leaving.
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