PRI's The World

Colleges abroad are stepping in to help international students at US campuses who are caught up in political havoc as the Trump administration announces enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. Also, a look back at the legacy of Argentine American film score composer Lalo Schifrin who died at the age of 93. And, the Chilean government adds textiles to its producer responsibility law. Plus, a new book by the Danish man who visited every country on Earth without taking a single flight.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Thailand has closed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to its economy. It's the latest strike in a dispute centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. Also, UNICEF warns that Sudanese children affected by war are increasingly malnourished. And, a new tourist destination is opening up — in North Korea. Plus, it's mango season; a look at what makes the best mango.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Demonstrations mark the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests that left 60 people dead in Kenya, while others remain missing. They come on the heels of last week's protests against police brutality in the country. Also, NATO allies  agree to a dramatic boost in defense spending — pledging to invest 5% of their economic output by 2035. And, Vietnam's parliament votes to abolish the death penalty for eight criminal offenses, including embezzlement and espionage. Plus, a new book about a crucial part of conversations: deep listening.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US President Donald Trump has claimed that a ceasefire is holding between Israel and Iran, though each side claims the other has already violated the agreement. Also, a group of international legal experts signs onto a letter warning that private military contractors and others working with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation may be criminally liable for the attacks and the displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And, as the global construction industry looks for ways to replace concrete — which is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions — one growing trend is using reinforced timber. Plus, one of the most popular playwrights in Russia is Irish.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We take a look a look at how urgent the threat from Iran's nuclear program really is, and the reactions of people living near the nuclear sites bombed by the US over the weekend. Also, Kirsty Coventry takes over as the new president of the International Olympic Committee. And, Thailand's prime minister is under fire from the nation's army amid a border dispute with Cambodia. Plus, a look at the first pictures of the cosmos captured by the world's most powerful digital camera.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Iran's foreign minister is in Europe meeting with diplomats there as war with Israel continues. Meanwhile, Iranians have been cut off from the global internet for nearly two full days now and hundreds of Israelis are caught in Cyprus, the EU country closest to Israel, still trying to get home. Also, cases of the recently identified COVID-19 variant dubbed "razor blade throat" are rising. And, the Enhanced Games allows athletes to actually take performance enhancing drugs. Plus, the Brooklyn Museum opens a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a draft peace agreement that's expected to be signed next week and aims to end the fighting in eastern DRC. Also, a look at acts of kindness and support amid the airstrikes in Iran. And, El Salvador courts exiles to return with incentives and promises of safety. Plus, remembering Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first Black professor, as an innovating grain scientist and human rights activist.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Protestors battle with police in downtown Nairobi, condemning the death of a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died more than a week ago while in police custody. Also, Canada and India try to rebuild their fractured relationship. And, Finland cracks down on e-scooters to address a growing number of accidents. Plus, Jewish groups gather for the First Anti-Zionist Congress in Vienna.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israelis and Iranians spent the day today fleeing or hiding from the back-and-forth bombing between their two countries. Also, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap faces a terrorism-related charge. And, the Louvre museum in Paris closes down as staff members protest working conditions. Plus, Switzerland offers 370,000 bunkers, enough to shelter all 9 million residents for up to two weeks during a national emergency.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israel has ordered Iranians living in Tehran to evacuate as it plans to escalate its attacks in the city that's home to roughly 10 million people. But for some residents, leaving is not an option. Meanwhile, although Israel has intercepted most of the hundreds of missiles that Iran has fired at it, the ones that have made it through have caused some major damage. Also, Britain's foreign intelligence service has appointed veteran Blaise Metreweli to take the helm as MI6's new boss. Plus, a look back at the life of Nicaragua's first female president, Violeta Chamorro, who's died at the age of 95.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israel launched an attack on Iran, targeting the country's nuclear program and military leadership. Several Iranian nuclear scientists were killed along with top military officials including the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. An Israeli official has said the current offensive against Iran will continue for days. Also, a major conference convened in London to address knife attacks. And, a preview of the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins this weekend.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A London-bound plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after taking off from the Indian city of Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Officials have confirmed that there was a single survivor. The plane crashed into a hostel that houses medical students, several of whom also died. Also, in Syria, journalists are building a new media landscape in the post-Assad era. And, dinosaur bones found in Mongolia in the 1870s were recently analyzed: turns out, they're from a previously undiscovered species.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In the Philippines, an impeachment court convenes on Wednesday against Sara Duterte, the current vice president and daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. With her father currently detained by the International Criminal Court, Sara Duterte is seen as her family's last hope to continue their political dynasty. Also, a Haitian church that's helping internally displaced people get back on their feet. And, K-pop superstars BTS announce a reunion, as two more members of the band complete their military service.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Austria, a mass shooting took place at a secondary school in the city of Graz. Nine students were killed, and 12 people were injured. The primary suspect is a former student, but not much is known about his motives. This was the the deadliest school shooting in Austria's modern history. Also, the UK is embracing nuclear power as part of the country's clean energy transition. And, some workers in Switzerland commute to work by floating down a river.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Since early June, Iranian truck drivers have been protesting for better pay and benefits. The action has seen drivers park their vehicles and refuse cargo deliveries in multiple provinces, disrupting transportation and supply chains. Labor activists in Iran say the strike reflects deepening economic frustration among workers already strained by inflation and sanctions. Also, the future of the global diamond trade as prices and demand drop. And, the world's smallest violin, thanks to nanotechnology. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms an allegation by lawmaker Avigdor Liberman that Israel is arming criminal groups in Gaza. Also, wildcard athlete Lois Boisson competes with top-ranked tennis players at the French Open in Paris. And, a look at how the Houthis in Yemen kept the US navy under constant pressure. Plus, a new project that documents seagulls devouring whatever they can find.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US President Donald Trump described his 90-minute conversation today with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping as "very good." The call comes as Washington and Beijing have been accusing one another of violating a trade truce that both nations had recently agreed to. Also, France saw a 46% rise in adult baptisms this past Easter. And, wildfires continue to burn across western and central Canada as the number of people who have been evacuated climbs to more than 30,000. Plus, the Stanley Cup Final gets underway in Edmonton.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a US-based firm that helped design and manage an aid initiative to deliver food to Palestinians in Gaza in areas controlled by the Israeli military, has withdrawn its team from the operation. Also, farmers express concern as Kenyan courts consider importing genetically modified seeds. And, Vietnam is scrapping its long-standing policy that families can only have two children. Plus, the semicolon could be becoming an endangered species.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US is planning to scale down its military presence in Syria from eight bases to one. We also take a look back at survivors of chemical attacks conducted by Assad regime forces during the Syrian civil war. And, exit polls show center-left Lee Jae-Myung winning the snap election in South Korea by a wide margin. Also, as officials in the US suspend visa interviews for all international students looking to study in the country, those from Latin America may be looking at other options. Plus, Japanese American musician Tina Johnson, known as Shima, is shifting from being in a J-Pop band in Tokyo to becoming an electronic solo artist.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met in Istanbul, Turkey, today for peace talks as both sides continued to conduct airstrikes. The delegations agreed to a major prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire. Also, a new report documents a pattern of physical abuse and neglect toward Tibetan children at Chinese-run boarding schools that many are forced to attend. And, South Korea contends with a political divide, along with big economic and security challenges, as it heads to the polls for presidential elections. Plus, moths find a home at the butterfly sanctuary in Mexico City's Natural History Museum.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The White House says it's working on a ceasefire deal for Gaza and that Israel has agreed to the proposal. Hamas is reportedly reviewing the offer, which would include a temporary truce and the release of Israeli hostages. Also, the UN has proposed a plan to do away with physical passports, replacing them with facial recognition technology. This, in a bid to streamline air travel. Also, as Voice of America wanes, Russian state media fills the void. And, a museum exhibit sheds light on Vincent Van Gogh's friendships with his portrait subjects.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Poland's presidential election this weekend is more than just a vote — it's a pivotal moment for the country's democracy. At stake is the future direction of Poland, with voters choosing between two starkly different candidates: a right-wing populist opposing abortion and LGBTQ rights, and a pro-European liberal who has marched in Warsaw's pride parade. Also, how a drop in the number of international students would impact Harvard's athletic dominance. And, the UN's plan to make passports a thing of the past.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mexico is set to become the first country in the world where every single judge is elected by popular vote. But as the country prepares for its first nationwide judicial election, concerns are mounting about many of the candidates. Activists say they have not been properly vetted, and numerous candidates have alleged ties to organized crime and religious groups. Also, Myanmar junta and rebels are facing political pressure from neighboring countries to end the civil war there. And, why many Palestinians are suspicious of the aid group that just began distributing food aid inside Gaza.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russia's military captured four Ukrainian border villages in the Sumy region of Ukraine on Tuesday. It follows an intense bombing campaign of Ukraine's cities and towns over the weekend by Russian drones. It also comes as Moscow holds a major security conference over the next two days. Also, a US-backed aid group has begun distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. But Hamas has warned Palestinians to stay away from distribution sites, claiming that the aid group is using those sites to gather intelligence for Israel. Many Palestinians have heeded those warnings — meaning food is still not getting to people in the territory who need it. And Turkey's president calls for a new constitution against a backdrop of protests over the jailing of an opposition leader.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For Memorial Day, we have stories of conflict and devotion, and how they are told through memorials.A well-known memorial in Washington, DC, pays tribute to the US service members who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, but few memorials honor the Vietnamese who fought alongside them, or the hundreds of thousands who came to the US in subsequent years. A new memorial project in the "Little Saigon" neighborhood of Dorchester in Boston aims to do just that. Also, Chile's biggest carnival is kicking off at full speed. As many as 150,000 people have traveled to the northern Chilean town of Arica to participate. But this is not your typical carnival. Most of the dances and music come from Bolivia for a celebration of Indigenous Aymara, Quechua, and Afro-Chilean identities. And, Yaroslav Simkiv has played the trumpet for over 50 years and is a recognizable figure in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Several times a day, he plays his instrument from the towering mayoral building in Lviv's main square to announce the time of day. But these days, Simkiv has taken on a more serious role — bidding a musical farewell to Ukraine's fallen soldiers.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. Also, five years after the killing of George Floyd in the US, a look at the global reckoning that ensued over racism, policing and historical injustice. And, Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, threatens to resign over political turmoil in the country. Plus, a look at the one village in Spain that didn't lose power during last month's blackout.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Germany is deploying 5,000 troops to Lithuania, marking the first such permanent deployment to another country since the end of World War II. Also, immigration lawyers are sounding alarms over what they say is an escalating immigration crackdown along the northern US border in Maine. And, Iran and Russia ratify a new agreement to strengthen economic ties, with more cooperation in banking and arms trade. Plus, an 11-year-old boy in the UK teaches himself to master the piano in only six months.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Turkish officials say they've caught Chinese intelligence using fake cell phone towers to eavesdrop on Uyghurs and the Turkish government. Also, Spain uses a new eviction law to crack down on squatters as housing prices continue to rise. And, European officials have launched a "tidal wave" of condemnation against Israel for its war in Gaza. Plus, a woman is raffling off her two bedroom house located just outside the coastal city of Sligo in Northern Ireland. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Police in El Salvador have arrested Ruth López, a prominent human rights defender who headed the anti-corruption unit at the rights group Cristosal. Also, Ontario approves billions of dollars for  four small modular nuclear reactors, making Canada the first G7 country to implement them for civilian use. And, the World Health Organization approves an agreement to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics. Plus, sonideros are gaining widespread popularity and becoming a symbol of cultural pride in Mexico City.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Displaced Syrians are returning to their homes following years of civil war. One photographer, Alaa Hassan, who was 25 years old when the uprisings against former President Bashar al-Assad began, hopes to now document the loss and rebirth of his country. Also, US President Donald Trump holds separate phone calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia as fighting continues. And, hunger and starvation are on the rise in Gaza as Israel's government approves a plan to distribute limited aid and lift its blockade of the territory, while the Israeli military conducts a new offensive with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying the goal is to control the Gaza Strip. Plus, a look at the "like" button that was introduced to internet users 20 years ago. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The United Arab Emirates is set to become home to the largest artificial intelligence campus outside of the US. The deal was struck in a meeting Thursday between the US and the UAE. The 10-square-mile campus will be built in Abu Dhabi, requiring 5 gigawatts of power capacity. We look into the energy implications of the plan. Also, in Australia, a murder trial where the defendant is accused of serving poisonous mushrooms to dinner guests becomes a nationwide spectacle. And, the story of a Spanish dictator using Eurovision Song Contest to whitewash his regime's brutal image.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russian and Ukrainian officials are meeting on Thursday in Istanbul to discuss a potential end to the war for the first time in more than three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed up for the meeting in-person; Russian President Vladimir Putin did not. We have the latest updates and analysis from those talks. Also, the mental health crisis caused by climate change, and the emerging ways people are addressing it. And, new insights into the love life of William Shakespeare.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

President Trump's announcement that US sanctions on Syria would be lifted was met with elation by Syrians, but the country still has a long way to go to recover from years of civil war and brutal dictatorship. Also, the German government banned an extremist group known as the Kingdom of Germany, which believes Germany is a monarchy. And, a look back at the life of José Mujica, Uruguay's former president who lived staunchly below his means. Plus, the Swiss Moroccan musician who found his home in the underground art scene. Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As President Donald Trump heads to the Middle East, a look at how the countries he plans to visit are trying to position themselves. Also, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, has announced it will disarm and disband. That marks the potential end of the group's four decadelong insurgency against the Turkish military. And, the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has won a mayoral election despite his detention by the International Criminal Court.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hamas has released the last living American hostage that was held captive in Gaza. That comes days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the region. Hamas has not said what it expects to receive in return for the release. Also, Pope Leo XIV's roots in Chiclayu, Peru. And, a close look at Barcelona's "superblocks": pedestrian areas designed to keep cars out.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Pope Leo XIV gave his first mass as pontiff today and is being celebrated across the globe, including in Peru, where he carried out decades of missionary work and became a naturalized citizen. Also, the US cuts $50 million in medical aid to Zambia following a corruption investigation. And, Sudan cuts ties with the UAE as drone attacks on Port Sudan continue for a sixth day. Plus, the National Gallery in London is unveiling an early renaissance painting this weekend that's considered to be a European masterpiece.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope. The 69-year-old is from Chicago, Illinois, and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Also, after dozens of community kitchens providing desperately needed food to Palestinians in Gaza were shuttered this week, the US is asking aid groups to back a new Israeli aid plan run by US security contractors. And, a nonprofit group in rural Ghana is using cheap motorized tricycles to help pregnant women get to the hospital to give birth. Plus, two high school friends in eastern Turkey learn to make the “daf” — a shallow drum popular in Kurdish, Persian and Middle Eastern music.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Indian jets launch airstrikes on nine sites inside Pakistan in retaliation for a militant group's attack on mostly Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir two weeks ago. Also, ongoing hunting and the growing effects of climate change are contributing to the dropping numbers of manatees in the Amazon region but local efforts are underway to bring them back. And, Syria's Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is in France for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Plus, the Men's World Snooker champion hopes to boost the sport's popularity in China.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

More than a hundred Catholic cardinals from 70 different countries will convene for a secretive conclave on Wednesday to select a new pope. It's not clear who will ultimately be chosen to lead the Catholic Church next. Also, drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been pummeling Port Sudan for three straight days. And, Germany's parliament confirms Friedrich Merz as the country's next chancellor, but only after failing to secure enough support in a first-round vote earlier in the day. Plus, a conversation with Moises Saman, the winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israel's security cabinet has approved a new military offensive designed to “capture” Gaza and hold it indefinitely. The plan would relocate many of Gaza's 2 million residents to the south and shutter hundreds of community kitchens. Also, North Korea confirms that it sent troops to fight in Ukraine, but with tens of thousands of Russians killed in the fighting, a new report finds that Moscow is turning to Pyongyang now to reinforce its workforce. And, the International Cricket Council says it will provide funding for exiled Afghan cricketers. Plus, Microsoft shuts down Skype after more than two decades.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Clashes have broken out this week in Syria between government security forces and militias inside Syria's Druze community. Israel launched airstrikes in Syria on Wednesday, claiming they targeted operatives who attacked Druze civilians. Israel has threatened more strikes if the clashes continue. We hear from people on the ground, in Syria, who have been affected by the violence. Also, Romania's upcoming presidential election this weekend, a do-over of last year's election which was annulled over alleged Russian interference. And, how tourists visiting Kashmir became political targets.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The work to choose a new pope begins next week with the secretive Papal Conclave. One of Pope Francis' lingering legacies that will need to be addressed: the late pontiff's efforts to reform the Vatican's less-than-transparent finances. Also, Maria Ressa is the Nobel Prize-winning journalist behind the investigative news site, Rappler, based in the Philippines. Her work made her a political enemy of former dictator, Rodrigo Duterte. Ressa joins us to share her experiences standing up for press freedom in the face of authoritarianism. And, Agent Orange is well known as a notorious chemical weapon used by the US in the Vietnam War but there was a lesser-known chemical weapon known as Agent Blue that's still making people sick. And, the new dance craze that Spanish ravers have imported from Holland.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices