Lifestyle & Belief

Fake news? Unpacking the ‘Blue Zone’ myth in Okinawa.

Japan in Focus

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hot spot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “Blue Zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But new research suggests the entire concept of Blue Zones is a myth.

Hamptons hospital adapts fall-prevention classes for aging Spanish-speaking population 

Immigration

As Catholic faith ebbs in Spain, missionary priests come to the rescue

Sacred Nation

‘A whole bunch of goodness’: Chef Alexander Smalls talks about new cookbook of African home cooking

Food

Native Americans hold National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving in solidarity with Indigenous struggles around the globe

Human rights

Fighting for the future in Germany

Conflict & Justice

In recent years, as the far-right party, AfD, has gained support in Germany, historians there have broadened their work educating about the Holocaust to include efforts against present-day racism and xenophobia.

The iconic Al-Hadba minaret has been restored in Mosul

Religion

The Al-Hadba minaret was part of the centuries-old Great Mosque of al-Nuri when it was destroyed in 2017 by ISIS. Now, a multi-year rebuilding effort involving the United Arab Emirates, UNESCO and local Iraqi craftsmen is complete. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Iraqi photojournalist Ali Al-Baroodi about the significance of the restoration and the ongoing efforts to restore Mosul’s old city.

In Okinawa, an independence movement finds an unlikely ally

Japan in Focus

For a small but vocal group of mostly older activists, reclaiming Okinawa’s history as the Ryukyu Kingdom and pushing for independence from Japan is a deeply personal mission. It’s being supported by an unlikely ally: Beijing.

Why Indian men are fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Conflict & Justice

After being lured into the Russian military with promises of “helper” jobs, young men from India find themselves training to fire weapons and getting caught up in combat with no way out.

Armenian Christians of Jerusalem say their centuries-old community faces an existential threat    

Sacred Nation

Armenian Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem say their centuries-old community is facing an existential threat. It stems from an ongoing legal dispute over a real estate deal signed three years ago. Members of the small minority community of Armenians in Jerusalem say they are fearful about their future in the holy city.