State of the World from NPR

Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison on charges of espionage. His employer and the U.S. government have said he is innocent and the trial is a sham. We hear the latest from Moscow and reaction from the U.S.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Artificial Intelligence makes it possible to resurrect deceased loved-ones in the form of a very convincing video and audio imitation. Some companies in China are beginning to provide this as a service. We hear about the practice and the ethical questions it raisesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Kenya, protests that began in response to tax increases have grown into a movement demanding the president's resignation. Scores of protestors have gone missing since the anti-government protests began a month ago. Human rights groups fear that the security forces are behind these disappearances. We hear from young protestors.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ever since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th, Israel had detained thousands of Palestinians from Gaza. We hear the story of one radiologist who says he endured beatings and mistreatment during seven months in Israeli detention. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Every five years China's Communist Party holds a meeting in secret called the "third plenum". And while it may sound arcane, there are a lot of important policy decisions that have come out of this meeting. Our correspondent in Beijing tells us what is at stake for the meeting this week.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The United States Justice Department says it has foiled at least four assassination plots sponsored by foreign governments on U.S. soil. One of the targets of those assassination attempts is Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and activist who Iran allegedly tried to have killed in New York. We hear how knowing she is at such risk has turned Alinejad's life upside down.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the latest escalation of tensions between the two, China seized a fishing vessel from Taiwan while it was in Taiwanese territorial waters. This is seen as Beijing sending a message that it plans to assert more control over Taiwan, which China claims as it's own. Our correspondent travels to a small Taiwanese island near where the boat was seized and finds residents who know they would be on the front line of any future military action that could erupt between China and Taiwan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Israeli hostages taken during the October 7th attacks and held in Gaza are a major sticking point in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A spokesperson for Hamas tells NPR not all those hostages are being held by his organization, some are being held by families in Gaza. And in Israel, what Gaza will look like after major combat operations end is the subject of fierce debate, with military and political leaders so far failing to agree. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We hear from an American who moved to Israel before the October 7th attacks and has served in the Israeli army in Gaza. Over a series of conversations with NPR, he wrestles with the war, his role there, and how much more he can give. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In May, Russia was able to make significant advances in northeastern Ukraine as military aid from the U.S. and elsewhere was stalled. And while the aid eventually did reach the front lines, tempering Russian gains, the damage is still deeply felt in one small Ukrainian community. Our correspondent takes is to the town near the front line.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The U.K. has a new government with a new prime minister as Sir Keir Starmer's Labour party sweeps to power in an historic election. The vote was a stunning rebuke of the Conservative Party's 14 years in power.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Brazil has the biggest— and many say the best— team of surfers heading to the Olympics in Paris. Brazilian surfers are leading competitions and winning fans over in this soccer dominated country.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy