‘What’s the greatest knowledge a person can have? Know thyself’: Morgan State University hosts banned-book symposium in Cuba

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.

A growing number of migrants, traumatized en route to Europe, are settling in Morocco and elsewhere

North from Africa

Global maritime shipping is aiming to reach zero emissions by 2050

Environment

How an Australian expat became the voice of Japan’s most-famous train

Japan in Focus

Irregular migration to Europe is down — except on Spain’s Canary Islands 

North from Africa

They were part of Afghanistan’s first-ever all-female flight. Then their lives were turned upside down.

Conflict & Justice

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.

What we know about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas

Israel-Hamas war

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.

Russia is offering higher pay to lure more military recruits

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.

‘Angst in the air’: South Koreans demonstrate for and against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol

Conflict & Justice

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.  

Migrants are increasingly taking dangerous boat journeys to reach Europe

North from Africa

Many migrants to Europe are opting to take dangerous boat journeys across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. One of the launching points is in the city of Agadir in southwest Morocco.

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