Some Russians push back against a church building spree in Moscow

Sacred Nation

The increasingly powerful Russian Orthodox Church has built hundreds of new churches over the past decade. But some people in Moscow are pushing back against their construction, especially in places like city parks.

This family in Syria has kept the centuries-old tradition of Sufi whirling dervishes alive

Sacred Nation

Once marginalized, Mexico City’s sonidero parties draw crowds across social divides

Culture

Latin American students consider options as visas are on hold

As Canada burns, author of ‘Fire Weather’ sees the nation’s hotter future

Climate Change

First Nations evacuate thousands from remote areas in Manitoba due to wildfire threat

Environment

First Nations Chiefs criticized the Canadian government’s initial response to the wildfires, which have forced thousands of people to evacuate in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

One of the best examples of ‘soft power’ is on the chopping block, experts say

Since the end of World War II, the Fulbright Program has been one of America’s most prestigious tools of diplomacy — sending scholars abroad, welcoming researchers in and building soft power through education. But today, this flagship exchange program is under existential threat — from the State Department that runs it. As the World’s Joshua Coe learned, it could take decades to see the repercussions.

Recycled whirligigs remain a fixture in the Japanese countryside

Out of Eden Walk

A constant fixture of National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek’s journey through rural Japan was the whirligig, or as he called them, “seismic scarecrows.” Gardeners he spoke to use these contraptions to scare away crop pests like mice and foxes. Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Salopek about the whirligigs, rural Japanese architectural aesthetics and how he got aboard a cargo ship to cross to North America.

Former US envoy to China says both countries need ‘to give a little’ to secure a trade deal

Global Politics

The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications of the 90-minute call this week between the leaders of the US and China with Nicholas Burns, a former US Ambassador to China under the Biden administration.

In Damascus, stand-up comedians test the limits under a new government

Syria

Comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. With the regime that stifled dissent under former President Bashar al-Assad gone, they have been putting together performances at cafes and clubs across Damascus and telling jokes that were previously unthinkable.

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