In the years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, political repression inside Russia has increased considerably. Russia now has hundreds of political prisoners who are tried under new laws that are meant to suppress any form of dissent — especially against the war. Despite relentless pressure, there are still lawyers in Russia fighting for the rights of political prisoners.

Brazilian singer and rapper Brisa Flow made history in 2023 as the first Indigenous artist featured on the lineup of Lollapalooza Brazil. Her music mixes hip-hop with ancestral singing, jazz, electronic and neo-soul. She’s also an activist and educator.

The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) about his recent trip to Syria, the first visit by US lawmakers since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.

After revoking hundreds of international students’ visas, the Trump administration paused the process on Friday. But the crackdown that changed the legal status of over 1,800 students has left a chilling effect on students on college campuses, as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, leaving some students wondering if they should stay or go.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has traveled many miles across land on foot since 2013, when he began his long walking journey tracing the footsteps of early human migration from Africa across the planet. But he’s also crossed several sea crossings as well. Salopek joined Host Marco Werman to talk about them, the types of ships he took and the people he met along the way.