The history of book bans in the US goes back to 1637 but has recently increased dramatically, nearly 200% during the 2023-24 school year. This rise is driven by conservative policies claiming many books have themes that go “against” American history. But are these books really problematic? The World’s Lex Weaver shares her experience attending a banned-book symposium hosted by Morgan State University in Havana, Cuba, where authors and historians discussed their worries about the future of education.
In 2021, six women — two pilots and four cabin crew — participated in Afghanistan’s first-ever all-female flight. It was a historic moment. Their photos and videos were shared all over the world. Then, a few months later, their lives were turned upside down when the Taliban toppled the Afghan government and took over the country.
After months of back and forth, Hamas and Israel appear to have reached a ceasefire deal. The agreement, which was mediated by Egypt, the US and Qatar, will be carried out in three phases. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with host Marco Werman about the latest.
Along the front lines between Russia and Ukraine, battles are fierce and the casualty numbers are mounting. In response, Russia is doing everything it can to recruit new soldiers. Its main solution has been to offer financial incentives, including high salaries and signing bonuses.
Judges at South Korea’s Constitutional Court get underway with a trial this week that could remove the country’s president from office. Yoon Suk Yeol sent the nation into a democratic crisis six weeks ago when he declared martial law. That got him impeached. Now, Yoon is facing an arrest warrant and he’s refusing to appear at the Constitutional Court out of concern for his personal safety.
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