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Voice of America is an international news and broadcast organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries
Some of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks are being described as “controversial” in both Democratic and Republican circles. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson reminded critics Sunday that the American people voted to shake up the status quo, and that’s what these new Cabinet officials, if confirmed, will be tasked with doing. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story. (Produced by: Henry Hernandez)
Russia launched a massive airstrike campaign against neighboring Ukraine on Sunday. Local officials say several people died and the power system suffered “severe damage.” VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
On the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in Lima, Peru, U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in their last in-person engagement before Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Lima.
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, some state governors from the opposition Democratic Party are preparing to defend their states’ progressive policies. Matt Dibble reports from California, where the governor has called for an emergency session of the state assembly.
U.S. President Joe Biden met with the leaders of South Korea and Japan on Friday to discuss a coordinated response to North Korea's deployment of troops in Moscow’s war against Ukraine and Pyongyang’s nuclear threat. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Lima, Peru.
Since 2015, advocates for human rights in Russia have gathered in London every November to present the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards, which honor individuals who have shown great courage in fighting for human rights and opposing corruption. Past honorees have included the likes of Boris Nemtsov, Jamal Khashoggi and Maria Ressa. VOA's Amy Kellogg has the story.
As President-elect Donald Trump gets ready to take office, a carefully coordinated process is under way to transfer power from the outgoing administration to the new one. Experts share their perspectives on how the federal government prepares for this pivotal moment in American democracy. VOA’s Salem Solomon has more. Video editor: Salwa Jaafari
After losing the White House to former President Donald Trump, Democrats are soul-searching to figure out what went wrong. Analysts say the economy played the biggest role in the party's losses and Vice President Kamala Harris' defeat, but other factors also contributed. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
As of June, some 68,000 women are serving in Ukraine's Armed Forces, with 10,000 fighting on the front lines. Women are occupying positions that until recently were considered men’s, and they often end up wearing men’s uniforms. But that may be changing, thanks to volunteers. Iryna Shynkarenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
US President-elect Donald Trump is turning to an old ally to lead the CIA and an outsider some see as a potential disruptor to oversee American intelligence agencies when his second term begins in January. VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin has more.
Italy’s flagship policy of holding migrants in detention centers in Albania for processing has hit a legal roadblock – as judges in Rome referred the case to the European Union’s Court of Justice, which could take months or years to make a ruling. Henry Ridgwell reports.
We explore the upcoming Trump administration. Join our panel of Washington correspondents for an insightful roundtable discussion on navigating the transition process and understanding its implications for you. This week on The Inside Story: The Trump Transition
Donald Trump may not be moving into the White House until January, but he is laying the groundwork and making domestic policy plans for the next four years. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti has our story. VOA footage by Henry Hernandez.
Pakistanis are choking on toxic air. With the arrival of cooler temperatures, perpetually poor air quality has reached hazardous levels causing disruptions in daily activities. As VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports, experts say the problem that keeps returning every winter will get worse over time.
Before the U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump opposed a Japanese company’s planned $14 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, a once-iconic pillar of America’s industrial age. With the election over, there are indications that the deal may go through. VOA Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman went to Braddock, Pennsylvania, to gauge local sentiment to the acquisition. Videographer: Adam Greenbaum
Russian exiles plan a march Sunday in Berlin demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the prosecution of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners. Ricardo Marquina reports. Narrator: Elizabeth Cherneff.
Authorities in Sierra Leone have launched an Ebola vaccination campaign targeting at least 5,000 health workers. Many health workers caught the Ebola virus during the outbreak that hit West Africa a decade ago. Victoria Amunga reports from Kenema, Sierra Leone. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo.
President-elect Donald Trump returned to the seat of American power Wednesday, visiting both Congress and the White House and laying out his vision as he readies for his second term. President Joe Biden hosted Trump in the Oval Office, where he promised a smooth transfer of power. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House. Kim Lewis contributed.
While some parts of Gaza are on the verge of famine, Palestinians in the West Bank are also suffering. They are unable to work in jobs in Israel, and the entire economy of the West Bank is contracting. Linda Gradstein reports from the West Bank town of Ramallah. Camera: Ricki Rosen
U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday hosted Israel's president while President-elect Donald Trump has separately held multiple phone calls recently with Israel's head of government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These parallel talks have focused on the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and hopes for the release of hostages held by Hamas. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met Tuesday at the White House to strengthen U.S.–Indonesia ties. The meeting came days after Jakarta signed a maritime agreement with Beijing that critics say could lend credibility to China’s “nine-dash line” that reflects its expansive claims in the South China Sea. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report
Germany's main political parties have agreed to hold a general election in February, following the collapse of the ruling coalition government earlier this month. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the vote could have big implications for Ukrainian military aid — just as Europe prepares for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's second term.
Although Donald Trump has won the presidential election, nearly 11 weeks will pass before he can assume office, giving him 76 days to prepare a new government.
With prices rising, Nigerians are becoming creative. Thrift shopping is booming, offering affordable options. Gibson Emeka from Abuja looks at how this market is becoming a lifeline for many in Nigeria.
Residents across a large part of the southeastern U.S. from Florida to Virginia are still dealing with the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. North Carolina was especially hard hit. Rafael Saakov spoke with the people who are struggling most. Anna Rice narrates his story. Camera: Aleksandr Bergan.
Beyond promising a return to the America First doctrine, President-elect Donald Trump has not provided details on what U.S. foreign policy will look like under his incoming administration. But his early conversations with leaders following his election victory indicate he aims to fulfill his promises to quickly end the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
The breakaway region of Somaliland in East Africa is due to hold general elections on November 13th. As the self-declared republic pushes for recognition from the international community and begins to play a larger role in the wider region, what could the outcome mean for Somalia, the Horn of Africa and beyond? Henry Wilkins reports.
Anna Wiebe moved to the United States from Ukraine 25 years ago. Four of her Ukrainian relatives fled the country and joined her after Russia invaded in 2022. They settled in North Carolina. But then Hurricane Helene arrived. Rafael Saakov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Aleksandr Bergan.
Donald Trump’s supporters in California, a state that went for his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, have been celebrating Trump’s presidential election victory. This comes as the state’s Democratic governor has called for a special legislative session to protect the state’s progressive policies from a Trump presidency. VOA’s Genia Dulot has the report.
For many soldiers on the front lines, the trauma of war can be as hard to fight as the war itself. To help, the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, has created a program to support Ukrainian women veterans, the families of internally displaced persons, and military relatives. The program is part of the USAID Self-Reliance Learning Agenda. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story.
As the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump begins to take shape, questions about how he’ll implement his campaign promises, or even whether he’ll seek retribution against his adversaries, are on the minds of many Americans. Democrats, meanwhile, are reflecting on their White House loss. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Qatar pauses cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas citing unwillingness and unseriousness from the warring parties. Meanwhile, Israel ratchets-up strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
In parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia, Ukrainian officials can suddenly find themselves at the mercy of Moscow and cut off from Kyiv. In Balakliya, about 70 kilometers from Kharkiv, Judge Volodymyr Strihunenko decided that even though the Russians took over his town in 2022, he was still Ukrainian. VOA’s Anna Kosstutschenko met with him in the Kharkiv region.
The COP29 climate summit is due to get under way on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan — a country whose economy is largely based on selling fossil fuels. Over 12 days, world leaders and thousands of delegates will try to negotiate ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions, amid warnings that efforts to limit global warming are way off track. Henry Ridgwell reports.
With former President Donald Trump returning to the White House, Ukrainians are bracing for potential shifts in U.S. policy that could reshape its fight for survival against Russian aggression. Trump’s agenda could take a sharp turn from the Biden administration's unwavering support, raising fears that vital U.S. aid might be at risk. Myroslava Gongadze reports from Europe. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets
Donald Trump’s agenda calls for him to deliver on key campaign talking points: improving border security, strengthening the economy and putting America first. While his promises are bold, details on how they’ll be carried out are few. Tina Trinh reports.
This week on The Inside Story: Donald Trump completes a remarkable comeback to win the American presidency. What was it like inside his campaign headquarters? And what happens next for the country and the rest of the world? Don't miss this episode.
Political polls leading up to this week’s U.S. presidential election showed a tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. But Trump pulled off a resounding win across several demographic groups. VOA’s Dora Mekouar looks at how he won.
President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Americans to accept the results of Tuesday’s presidential election, which former President Donald Trump won. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell reports.
Allies in Europe are debating what Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. presidential election could mean for their security and economy. Trump’s first term in office was characterized by often turbulent relations with EU and NATO partners. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified Europe’s concerns over the transatlantic alliance.
Reactions in Africa to Donald Trump’s return to the White House are mixed. Some are excited and eager to see what comes next, while others remember the former president's first term and don’t expect much from a new Trump administration regarding Africa. VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo has this report. Contributor: Juma Majanga; Camera: Amos Wangwa
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is sometimes at odds with Western leaders but has made no secret of what he says were his warm dealings with President-elect Donald Trump during the U.S. leader’s first term. Observers say he is now looking to those warm ties as an opportunity to end regional conflicts, but also to ask for greater U.S. cooperation against Kurdish separatists, as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
The United States is gearing up for a transfer of power, with President Joe Biden congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his victory and Vice President Kamala Harris conceding defeat. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Washington. Camera: Adam Greenbaum.
Malawi, with help from the World Food Program, has received its first shipment of more than 19,000 tons of maize from Ukraine. The food aid will help feed millions of Malawians currently dealing with food shortages exacerbated by El Nino-induced drought. Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre.
U.S. allies in Asia are congratulating Donald Trump on his decisive victory in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election, but many in Asia also worry about what the return of his "America First" foreign policy means for their countries, as VOA's Bill Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea.
Both Israelis and Palestinians on Wednesday welcomed Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory. Israelis hope he will support them in their conflicts with Hamas and others; Palestinians hope he will offer new statehood ideas. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
Former President Donald Trump will return to the White House, as is the will of the American people. The news has been received with a mix of cheers and tears in a deeply divided country. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports from Washington. Ihar Tsikhanenka contributed to this report. Camera: Afshean Hessam, Veronica Balderas Iglesias.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first world leaders to congratulate newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. On the streets of Ukraine's capital, many Ukrainians say they fear that Trump may fulfill a campaign promise to end the war by forcing them into a settlement that will favor Moscow. For VOA, Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv.
Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate early Wednesday, a major victory that will give President-elect Donald Trump a key tool for enacting his legislative agenda. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports from Washington.
America’s allies in Europe have congratulated Donald Trump following his comprehensive victory in Tuesday’s presidential election — despite widespread concern about what his second term may mean for transatlantic relations. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday was quick to welcome Donald Trump's U.S. presidential election victory. The Turkish leader is eager to resume the close ties he had with the White House during Trump’s first term in office. Under U.S. President Joe Biden, relations between Ankara and Washington had become frosty. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
France is looking at a second Trump presidency with a mix of trepidation, stoicism and — in some cases— joy. Even as President Emmanuel Macron rushed to congratulate Donald Trump for his win, French businesses worry about threatened tariffs and critics fear a similar tilt to the right could usher France's far-right National Rally party to power. Lisa Bryant reports on the fallout from Paris.
With Donald Trump’s projected victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, VOA’s Tina Trinh explores how his past policies and current positions offer insight into the upcoming presidency. (Camera: Tina Trinh)
Over 160,000 Ukrainians fled their home country and came to the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia since the Russian invasion. Physicians were among the 50 thousand or so refugees who came to Latvia. Vladislavs Andrejevs spoke with some of them in Riga. Anna Rice narrates his story. (Camera: Vladislavs Andrejevs ; Produced byYuriy Zakrevskiy)
In labs across the United States, scientists are working on innovative tests using animals and insects to detect cancer earlier. As VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports, recent research suggests bees and dogs can sniff out the disease sooner than machines can.
VOA is projecting that former U.S. President Donald Trump has defeated current Vice President Kamala Harris following key victories in several key states. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti was at the election night celebration in Florida where Trump celebrated his win before most news networks had decided the race. Camera: Henry Hernandez
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to his supporters at an election night watch party early Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
In Turkey, listeners of Acik Radyo are protesting after regulators revoked the Istanbul-based station’s license. For nearly 30 years, Acik sought to bridge the country's divides. Analysts say the action against it is part of a wider government media crackdown. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Russia is “flagrantly violating” its agreements with the oil cartel OPEC by concealing the true amount of oil it is producing and selling, according to a new report that says the profits are funding Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports.
It’s Election Day in America, and voters are making their choice for president, and in down-ballot races that will determine control of Congress. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Wisconsin.
In countries experiencing war or internal conflict, attacks on journalists are happening with impunity. Watchdog groups say most killings of journalists in recent years have gone unresolved. With Liam Scott, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
A shadowy Russian political operator, Maxim Shugaley, who has close ties to the notorious Wagner Group and its late founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was detained in Chad in mid-September on unexplained charges.
As the wars in both Gaza and Lebanon drag on, the burden on Israeli reservist soldiers is growing. Some say they don’t believe the government has their best interests at heart and are choosing not to show up for reserve duty. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
[[ Near-universal concern and condemnation has followed Israel’s formal announcement to the United Nations that it will not cooperate with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, after Israel’s parliament voted to cut ties last week. In Washington, at the U.N. and on the ground, officials and residents are raising alarms over the disintegrating humanitarian situation in Gaza and elsewhere. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
Have you ever wondered why America’s presidential elections always fall on a Tuesday? The tradition stretches back almost 200 years to a time when the U.S. looked very different from how it does today.
There is just one month to go in the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at the state of the race.
Viktor Kalyberda, 63, lives in the village of Sulyhivka with no running water or electricity. The village, 170 kilometers from Kharkiv, was destroyed during the Russian invasion in 2022, not a single house was spared. All of the residents fled the village, yet Kaliberda chose to return and rebuild his life. Anna Kosstutschenko met with him in his home. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy
President Joe Biden traveled to the election battleground states of Florida and Georgia on Thursday to survey damage caused by Hurricane Helene. It’s the second day the U.S. president reassured storm victims that the federal government will support recovery efforts. Patsy Widakuswara reports.
America's voting landscape is shifting. While many still cast ballots at local polls, mail-in voting is on the rise. Once limited to military personnel and homebound citizens, it's now the primary method in several states.
Tunisia holds presidential elections Sunday that seem certain to give incumbent Kais Saied another term in office, with his main rivals jailed, disqualified or otherwise sidelined. Is this the end of Tunisia’s fragile democracy? Lisa Bryant reports.
One year on, a conflict sparked by Hamas' terror attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people has grown into a raging conflict that has killed more than 40,000 and threatens to engulf the Middle East. The warring parties have rebuffed peace deals and blown through pauses and cease-fires – and the next U.S. president will likely inherit the challenge. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington. Contributors: Hediye Levent, Kim Lewis
This week on The Inside Story, we travel to Springfield, Ohio, to capture reactions to the U.S. vice presidential debate. We also report on the Haitian community's response to the controversial accusations made by the Republican candidates.
A year into the war in Gaza, the search for safety and basic necessities has become a daily routine for those whose homes have been destroyed. The United Nations says 1.9 million people, 86% of Gaza's prewar population, have been displaced, and many are living in refugee camps with limited access to food and medical care. For Nedal Hamdouna, Amjed Tantesh, and Enas Tantesh in the southern Gaza Strip, Dorian Jones reports. (Videographer: Enas Tantesh)
While China and the West have been pushing for more electric vehicles on the road, gas-powered cars still dominate in Africa. Chinese automakers are tapping into the South African car market, the largest on the continent, with prices so attractive that dealers say existing brands risk being pushed to the curb. Kate Bartlett has the details from Johannesburg.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump falsely claimed in a debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris last month that Haitian immigrants were eating people’s pets in Springfield, Ohio. Since then, Haitian media outlets in the U.S. have dealt with threats, online attacks and harassment. Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. (Videographer: Enrique Garcia Fuentes)
The United States’ policy on China has been mostly consistent from the administration of Donald Trump to the White House of Joe Biden — with both presidents viewing China as America’s biggest competitor. But in the race for the next president, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have slightly different approaches toward the global superpower. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee explains.
Most hospitals in the Khartoum area of Sudan have been destroyed or evacuated as fighting in the capital continues. VOA gained rare access to a hospital still operating in the area and to one gutted by the fighting, as rights groups say those responsible for the devastation should be held accountable for war crimes. Henry Wilkins reports. (Videographer and edited by: Henry Wilkins)
Pro-Kremlin sources use would-be assassin's support for Ukraine to assert he acted on Kyiv's behalf.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s bid for the U.S. presidency has evoked a mixed response in India. Some are excited about her part Indian origins, while some know little about her. Others call it yet another milestone for a diaspora that is making its mark, not just in the United States but in other countries. Anjana Pasricha has a report from New Delhi.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday visited areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene, where more than a million people remain without power and the death toll is climbing. Biden offered as many as 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the response effort. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
For months, U.S. President Joe Biden has warned Israel against allowing its war with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza to spread against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran itself. But with Israel fighting in Lebanon and vowing retaliation for Tehran’s missile attacks, many fear that moment has come. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at the potential for further escalation and the possibility of U.S. direct involvement.
Europe looks set to toughen migration laws amid a surge in support for far-right parties across the continent. Austria's Freedom Party – which campaigned on a platform of ending migration and opposing military aid for Ukraine – finished first in Sunday’s election, although its rivals have said they will refuse to enter a coalition. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Israel's campaign against Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 attack has seen Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the forefront of condemning Israel. However, analysts say Turkey is becoming increasingly sidelined from efforts to end the crisis in a region where Erdogan once sought to play a leading role. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Thousands of Israelis, most of them soldiers, have been wounded in fighting over the past year and face a long rehabilitation. Israel is one of the world's leaders in rehabilitation, but the ongoing war in Gaza has strained the country’s resources. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Please note, this story contains simulated images of war injuries that some may find disturbing. Camera: Ricki Rosen
Both Democrats and Republicans in Ohio are hoping Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate will motivate people to participate in the upcoming election. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Ohio. Videographer: Adam Greenbaum
A U.S. Supreme Court decision this year allowed authorities nationwide to fine and arrest people sleeping on the streets. That is leading to a massive cleanup of homeless encampments in many California cities, including Los Angeles. Genia Dulot has the story.
With much of Gaza's medical infrastructure destroyed and limited medical supplies, hospitals are struggling to provide even basic assistance, one year after the Israel-Hamas war began. Among the facilities struggling is the al Aqsa hospital, which is supposed to serve one million people. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul with Nedal Hamdouna, Amjed Tantesh, and Enas Tantesh in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. vice presidential nominees Tim Walz and JD Vance met for the first and only vice presidential debate of this election season. Tina Trinh reports from New York.
Nigeria has started a nationwide initiative for blood donations as the country faces a huge blood shortage. Authorities say Nigeria gets only a quarter of the annual blood donations it needs, leaving patients and hospitals in desperate need of blood in emergencies. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, sending millions of Israelis to bomb shelters. The attack came as Israel launched a ground incursion into Lebanon to attack the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Videographer: Ricki Rosen
At the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York, African leaders posed for photos with Starlink owner Elon Musk and assured their citizens that cheaper high-speed internet was coming to the continent. But in Zimbabwe, one of the countries that has licensed Starlink, some are concerned about the company’s growing importance. Columbus Mavhunga reports from the capital city, Harare.
As the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas cross-border attack on Israel approaches, many European countries are strengthening their calls for Israel to end its assault on Hamas targets in Gaza amid growing horror at the civilian death toll. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Iran distorts what sparked the Israel-Hamas war and glosses over Tehran’s decadeslong effort to destroy Israel via proxy forces.
A new exhibit in Washington sheds some light on a little-known layer of the sea and the strange creatures that live there. Artechouse art center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution collaborated on the spectacle, called Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean. Maxim Adams has the story.
Washington is trying to keep a Mideast war from snowballing after a dramatic weekend in Lebanon, but regional powers are expressing concerns as Israel’s leadership seems determined to continue. From the White House, President Joe Biden has called for a cease-fire, but VOA’s Anita Powell asks: Will anyone listen?
In the U.S. election, vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz meet Tuesday for their first, and only, debate. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at what to expect when the candidates meet in New York.
Former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday comes as authors and historians reevaluate his accomplishments and failures as a one-term U.S. president. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more on the legacy of the first presidential centenarian. Additional camera: Adam Greenbaum
The closure of media outlets and jailing of journalists has become a reality in Hong Kong as the government there cracks down on the press in the name of national security. Some Hong Kong journalists exiled to other countries are trying to push back against the threats to press freedom from overseas. VOA’s William Yang reports from Taipei. Camera: Katie Tam, Jonathan Spier
In Port Sudan, which has been spared from the fighting in Sudan’s civil war, churches have become makeshift shelters for many of the country's 11 million displaced residents. Henry Wilkins visits one such church where a religious leader, who is a displaced person himself, does what he can to help, with little support from the international community.
Since 2015, one of America’s oldest eye clinics, Wills Eye Hospital, has been helping wounded Ukrainian soldiers with severe head or face injuries get their vision back. For one surgeon with Ukrainian roots, the work is personal. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Pavlo Terekhov.
During any campaign, it is crucial that voters and candidates have a way to measure the state of public opinion. Polling — surveying representative samples of the electorate — allows everyone to understand and adapt to prevailing sentiments. But it has its flaws.
Jimmy Carter is the first U.S. president to reach the age of 100. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Georgia on the historic milestone.
Both the U.S. Republican and Democratic vice presidential nominees have been preparing for their debate that will be hosted by “CBS News” Tuesday in New York. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at the policies JD Vance and Tim Walz might focus on, and whether the debate itself could impact the outcome of the U.S. presidential race. (Produced by: Marcus Harton)
Israel unleashed a series of overnight attacks in Lebanon, and it announced the killing of another high-level Hezbollah commander. The strikes aim to further rattle Hezbollah after airstrikes that killed the group’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has this story.
In the American Midwest, a local fight over a Chinese electric vehicle battery factory reflects broader controversy over Chinese investments in the U.S. VOA’s Calla Yu reports on how the issue of U.S.-China competition is playing out in a small city in Michigan during this year’s U.S. presidential election. Videographer: Yu Gang
The global coalition to ensure the defeat of Islamic State group terrorists is ending its military mission in Iraq. U.S. officials said a two-phased plan would not hinder counter-IS operations elsewhere in the region but did not detail how, or if, U.S. troop numbers would change. Carla Babb reports.
Michigan is one of the key swing states that may decide November’s presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara went to Michigan to see what the campaigns are doing.Camera: Rivan Dwiastono
The number of Ukrainian citizens seeking to adopt children has increased dramatically since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv, Ukraine. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump met Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, where Trump repeated claims that he would be able to end the war in Ukraine by making a deal with Russia. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
The foreign policy positions of the two vice presidential candidates are coming into sharper focus. Democratic nominee Tim Walz and Republican nominee JD Vance present distinctly different approaches to global challenges. These contrasting views underscore how each candidate’s foreign policy priorities could influence America's role on the world stage.
Veteran politician Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan’s next prime minister. The outspoken Ishiba won the leadership race in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday. The 67-year-old has a reputation for irking his conservative colleagues, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea.
Panama has begun deporting migrants who cross the dangerous Darien Gap from Colombia into Panama as part of an agreement with the United States signed in July. Veronica Villafane narrates this story by Oscar Sulbaran.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Yuliia Lebedynska moved to Brussels with her daughter and granddaughter. She was an entrepreneur in Ukraine but in Belgium, she found herself in a Ukrainian women’s choir. Valentina Vasileva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: David Gogokhia
The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has been indicted on multiple corruption charges by the U.S. government. Aron Ranen has the story from the Big Apple.
The war in Gaza returned to center stage at Thursday’s United Nations General Assembly, with a speech from the Palestinian president. VOA's U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer has more.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Thursday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss U.S. support for the war in Ukraine. Republicans, meanwhile, denounced Zelenskyy's visit to a Pennsylvania factory, calling it partisan. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
We bring you the story of President Biden’s final address in NY at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Plus, we report on the potential shifts in foreign policy and what they might look like after Americans vote in their presidential election this coming November. This week on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024.
With violent gangs controlling most of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, calls for a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission are growing. The country’s prime minister says the current international effort lacks resources, manpower and the capability to face the gangs. Celia Mendoza reports.
Joe Biden is said to be entering the lame-duck period of his presidency, but what does that mean?
According to the International Energy Agency, the world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels. But with that shift comes environmental risks related to the mining of critical minerals. VOA’s Jessica Stone looks at how nations are navigating the environmental challenges of creating a renewable future.
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts during this campaign. VOA spoke with some gun owners, who say the shootings have not changed their views on gun laws. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has our story. Some VOA footage by Genia Dulot.
As world leaders gather for the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, the charity Oxfam says they are being undermined by what it calls a ‘global oligarchy’ of the super-rich who exert control over the global economy. The organization accuses them of exacerbating problems like extreme inequality and climate change. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Zimbabwean authorities are hoping tourism will help revive the ailing economy, as one government official cites new figures that show more tourists are visiting Victoria Falls, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. But critics say the country’s poor infrastructure is preventing the site from realizing its full potential. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
The war in Ukraine, Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, and an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah dominated the second day of the United Nations General Assembly meetings. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer reports.
In Omdurman, Sudan's second most populous city, the once-thriving market has been all but destroyed by almost a year and a half of war. VOA gained rare access to the city and met residents who recalled its former glory as fighting raged in the capital, Khartoum, on the opposite bank of the Nile. Henry Wilkins reports.
Early voting for the U.S. presidential election in the state of Georgia begins October 15. Polls show a close contest there between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Atlanta, Georgia.
A volunteer group is searching for the remains of people killed in the conflict with Russia in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The group Platsdarm says it has recovered around 2,000 bodies since 2014. Yaroslava Movchan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Dmytro Hlushko
Heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued Tuesday, as Israel kept up its attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials say more than 550 people have been killed in the strikes. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
A U.S. House of Representatives panel held Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt Tuesday for failing to answer lawmakers’ questions about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. VOA’s congressional correspondent, Katherine Gypson, has more from Washington, with Amadullah Archiwal contributing.
The Uncommitted National Movement that began as a protest against President Joe Biden’s policies on the war in Gaza last week announced they will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate. Another pro-Palestinian group “Abandon Harris” says they’re working to ensure her defeat. Could these movements impact election results in battleground states? White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara brings this story from Michigan, the state with the highest percentage of Arab Americans. Camera: Rivan Dwiastono.
Joe Biden used his final presidential address before the U.N. General Assembly to urge unity in the face of challenges that include conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from New York.
As Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel draws Lebanon into war, the militant political group claims to be defending the interests of all Lebanese people. Jacob Russell in Beirut looks at how much support the group really has among the general population.
A new school year begins in Russia, the third that is starting with Moscow's war in Ukraine as a backdrop. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina on what critics say are Russia's moves to militarize education by introducing new subjects that explain and justify its full-scale assault on Ukraine.
One of the more confusing parts of the U.S. electoral system is that presidents are not elected through direct popular vote but through a mechanism called the Electoral College. Here’s how it works.
A man from India-administered Kashmir says he was deceived into working for the Russian military and recounts the ordeal he went through with several others from his homeland. Muheet Ul Islam has more for VOA from Srinagar in India-administered Kashmir. Videographer: Wasim Nabi
Through its “debt trap diplomacy,” China became the major shareholder controlling most of African natural resources, infrastructure and other assets. Beijing-owned businesses in Africa practice child labor, fund violent insurgency, and sustain corruption, illegal trade and money laundering.
Western media found no evidence of cruelty by the armed forces of Ukraine toward civilians in Ukraine-controlled areas of Russia's Kursk region.
A Kenyan conservancy is using reformed poachers to protect wildlife. Conservation authorities say the program has helped to significantly reduce cases of poaching, especially in northern Kenya where communities are notorious for illegal hunting. Victoria Amunga reports from Meru, Kenya. Camera and video editing by Jimmy Makhulo.
In Iraqi Kurdistan, one woman is working to bring life back to her village that was abandoned 38 years ago. Speaking to VOA, Khuncha Omer explained how planting trees and taking care of the land has given her a bigger purpose to strive for.
Under the Taliban, the news media in Afghanistan are among the least free in the world, but a new generation of journalists is still keen to learn the skills of the trade. Even women, who are barred from attending university in Afghanistan, are finding ways to study. VOA’s Afghan service has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Israel launched massive new airstrikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 492 people and injuring more than 1,600 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. As VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports from Washington, the latest strikes are escalating fears that conflict will spread across the region.
With pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai jailed in Hong Kong facing widely condemned charges, the journalist’s son and his international legal team are pushing the United States and other countries to help secure Lai’s immediate release. From Washington, Liam Scott has the story for VOA
Muslims account for less than 2% of the U.S. population, but as VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports, Muslim American influence in U.S. elections is growing, driven largely by concerns over the continued war between Israel and Hamas.
Joe Biden makes his final presidential address before the United Nations General Assembly this week. But hanging over his head as he takes to the green marble podium for the last time, and as he meets separately with other leaders in New York: conflict in the Middle East – and how his actions have shaped it. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from New York.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah increased sharply in recent days, after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah official, Ibraim Aqil, as well as dozens of others. On Sunday, Hezbollah fired more than 150 rockets at Israel, damaging homes in northern Israel, and sparking fires. Israel continued to fire barrages of rockets at Lebanon. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem.
In Goma, a town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a woman-led recycling company is tackling plastic pollution, and creating jobs for some of the country’s millions of internally displaced people. Zanem Nety Zaidi takes us inside this entrepreneur’s business.
A business owner in Baltimore, Maryland, who was born in Kyiv has started a charity to help Ukrainian children affected by war. Andriy Borys has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Viacheslav Filiushkin.
U.S. lawmakers from both major political parties have called for cooling the nation’s heated political rhetoric six weeks before the November 5th presidential election. This follows a second apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. And his claims of immigrants eating people’s pets that has an Ohio Haitan community on edge. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
President Joe Biden on Saturday hosted the leaders of Australia, India and Japan for his final convening of the so-called Quad, a strategic security grouping focused on the Indo-Pacific. The quartet announced moves they say will boost cooperation between the four democracies and address citizens’ concerns in the massive region – while also emphasizing this is not a club aimed at containing China. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have focused their campaigns mainly on hot-button issues such as immigration, abortion and the economy. But the culture clash over how to handle gender identity matters in elementary and secondary schools is also a campaign issue, with loud voices on all sides. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports. Videographer: Saqib Ul Islam
In the U.S. presidential election, Republican candidates have spread false claims that migrants in the Midwest state of Ohio are eating residents’ pet cats and dogs. That has led to security threats and more divisions in an election where immigration is a central campaign theme. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has our story. Videographer: Obed Lamy
The Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka near Seattle, Washington, is home for 'friends of Ukraine' say its founders. Just over a year ago, it began offering a wide range of activities, including aid for refugees, language workshops, art classes, cultural events and more. Khrystyna Shevchenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Dmytro Savchuk
In California, a new law will block public schools from notifying parents if their children decide to change their gender. That has led some school districts to challenge the state's authority over issues of gender identity. Genia Dulot has our story from Southern California.
Japan's ruling party will hold a leadership vote next week to choose the country’s next prime minister. While the outcome is uncertain, Japan's foreign policy is expected to remain steady. VOA's Bill Gallo reports from Tokyo on the challenges ahead. Camera: Ken Watanabe, Gallo
World leaders gather for their annual meetings at the United Nations starting Sunday, and the wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine will be center stage. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer reports.
South Africa is exhuming remains of citizens who fought the apartheid regime but died in exile in Zimbabwe. Families of Zimbabweans killed in the same area by security forces are hoping their loved ones can be removed from mass graves and given proper burials, too. Columbus Mavhunga reports.
We report on a small town in Ohio at the center of the Presidential campaign. Plus, we cover the forces threatening U.S. election integrity. This week on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024.
With fewer than 50 days left in this year’s U.S. presidential race, candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are campaigning in key swing states, each declaring to be the nominee with policies that can boost the economy. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
Moscow's decision this week to expand its military capabilities is a sign of the stress that its military is facing in the third year of its slow-moving, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts say the mobilization's unpopularity and other factors are driving Russia to look for mercenaries from other countries. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina.
Can Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences on the dance floor? A U.S. dance party tour aims to get out the vote and bring joy to a divided nation as Election Day looms. Daybreaker, a rave organizer, aims to help people register to vote and get excited about going to the polls.
Hispanic audiences in the United States rely on social media for news, but disinformation on those platforms is rife. Newsrooms and media initiatives are finding new ways to combat false news and help audiences prepare for U.S. elections. Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. Videographer: Tina Trinh
People from across the globe are convening on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City for Climate Week. On the agenda: the environmental impact of seabed mining. The discussion comes as tech companies seek ways to fuel the green revolution while minimizing environmental impacts. VOA’s Jessica Stone has more.]
Peace continues to elude Gaza as the conflict there speeds toward the one-year mark, with public rage over the recent killing of hostages, fears over the spread of polio — and amid all this, ongoing, delicate negotiations helmed by Washington. Anita Powell files from the White House.
Israel continues an almost weeklong assault on the northern West Bank to root out what it says is Hamas and Islamic Jihad infrastructure. Palestinians say at least 20 people have been killed and the Israeli operation has ripped up roads in Jenin. Israeli analysts say tensions are rising in the West Bank. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
When people think about the US state of Texas, they often think of cowboys in big hats and pointy-toed boots. But Texas is more than that. A study found that its biggest city, Houston, is the most diverse large city in the US. This is reflected in the immigrants and the many cuisines and cultures they brought with them to Texas. VOA's Elizabeth Lee reports.
With just over two months to go before Election Day in the United States, presidential nominees Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are campaigning on the economy and preparing for their first debate. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns looks at the race.
German military aid to Ukraine and support for Ukrainian refugees in Germany are being called into question following elections in which a far-right political party won power in an eastern state. The far-left also made gains in the elections. Henry Ridgwell has more on the outcome and what it might mean for Ukraine going forward.
In South Korea, a growing number of women are opting out of having children, driven by financial challenges and career demands. But egg-freezing is emerging as a trend that allows women to delay parenthood while keeping their options open for the future. VOA’s William Gallo explains from Seoul.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's visit to Turkey Wednesday signals an end to years of animosity with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
U.S. election campaigns are some of the longest in the world. See how they compare to other countries.
New York is one of the fashion capitals of the world, but the industry has made fewer strides in advancing and promoting minorities. In the uptown neighborhood of Harlem, a program is tapping into community talent, led by a local who almost missed out on the industry entirely. Tina Trinh reports. Videographer: Ting-Yi Hsu
Migrant-related crime in New York has many residents on edge, with some blaming the influx of undocumented migrants into the city over the past two years. Aron Ranen and Igor Tsikhanenka spoke to law enforcement officials, politicians, activists and migrants about the controversy in this story narrated by Aron Ranen.
The Paris Olympics have just ended, but some diehard fans are already planning for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, California. Vivianne Robinson is one of them. The self-described Olympics superfan has been following the Games' flame all over the world. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Vazgen Varzhabetian.
The two major U.S. political parties are expressing concern ahead of November’s election about “election integrity” – meaning the process of registration, the casting of, counting and certifying of votes, as well as adequately addressing any serious issues that arise. More from VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman on Capitol Hill. (Camera: Adam Greenbaum)
In New York, aspiring fashion designers often attend colleges like the Fashion Institute of Technology or Parsons School of Design. But for those without the means or access to higher education, a Harlem-based fashion incubator – a company that helps new fashion designers grow and learn the business – is providing alternative paths to the industry. VOA’s Tina Trinh shows us two emerging talents. Camera: Tina Trinh
A U.S. Supreme Court decision in June makes it easier for communities across the nation to fine and arrest people living and sleeping in public spaces. That has left many of America’s hundreds of thousands of homeless people in a difficult situation. Angelina Bagdasaryan looks at what California is doing to address the problem. Anne Rice narrates. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian
After the bodies of six slain Israeli hostages were found in a tunnel in southern Gaza, Israelis have reacted with shock and anger. Some blame the Israeli government for not reaching a cease-fire deal with Hamas earlier. Israel's largest labor union announced a general strike starting Monday until the government signs a deal. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
Bernard Avle hosts one of the biggest morning shows in Ghana. But scammers used artificial intelligence, or AI, to clone his voice to endorse a product. Analysts warn the same technology could be used to spread disinformation ahead of Ghana’s elections in December. For VOA News, Senanu Tord reports from Accra.
Some Gold Star families expressed support Sunday for former President Donald Trump, after his campaign was criticized for taking photos and videos at a restricted section of Arlington National Cemetery last week. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also in the race for the White House, added her voice to those condemning Trump’s visit and deemed it “a political stunt.” VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story.
A Russian missile strike injures dozens in Ukraine. The news comes as Moscow claims to have intercepted 158 Ukraine-launched drones overnight. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris is from one of America’s most politically liberal states — California. Her work as a local prosecutor, the state’s attorney general and U.S. senator is central to Harris’ presidential campaign. Her opponent, Donald Trump, says that Harris’ record in California shows she is too liberal for the rest of America. From Los Angeles, Genia Dulot tells us what Californians are saying.
China’s naval hospital ship, called the Peace Ark, is on a 13-nation tour of mostly African countries to provide free health care for locals. Over the past week, it was docked off the South African coast where the Western Cape province has a backlog of about 80,000 surgeries. Vicky Stark reports.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited the Pentagon on Friday to update the U.S. defense secretary on Ukraine’s incursion across the Russian border. Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb reports.
Russia on Thursday accused the European Union of "theft" after the bloc transferred the first tranche of profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine to boost Kyiv’s military capabilities. But some fear Western states could cut their own aid, as Henry Ridgwell reports. Camera: Henry Ridgwell.
The U.S. conducts drone strikes in Somalia to protect civilians from terrorists. Groups such as al-Shabab terrorize communities and entire regions, systematically targeting, killing and harming scores of civilians.
Critics of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris are claiming she lacks the qualifications and skills to be president, saying she is a beneficiary of policies that aim to boost diversity, equity and inclusion in the American workplace. But supporters of policies that aim to include previously marginalized groups say Harris has earned her place. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
Media rights are at risk in Georgia as the country once seen as a safe haven for journalists implements a new law. For VOA News, Liam Scott has the story. Camera: Cristina Caicedo Smit, Krystof Maixner, Martin Bubenik, Michael Eckels
Russian shelling has destroyed 50% of Ukraine's electricity generation capacity since late March, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To make up for the power shortage, the country has turned to U.S. energy giant Westinghouse for help developing next-generation nuclear reactor units. Tetiana Kukurika has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Sergiy Rybchynski
Humanitarian officials say Israel will allow a series of daily humanitarian pauses for a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. The resurgence of the dangerous, contagious virus is an alarming development in the besieged exclave, where conflict has stripped out massive amounts of civilian infrastructure over more than 10 months of conflict. VOA’s White House Correspondent Anita Powell has the latest from Washington.
The arrest in France last Saturday of Pavel Durov, the billionaire boss of the social media platform Telegram, is reverberating around the world as Russia urges France not to turn the investigation into 'political persecution.' Durov is under formal investigation over alleged illegal activities on Telegram, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
The U.S. Presidential campaign is in full swing following the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The focus now is on immigration reform and foreign policy. This week on The Inside Story: USA-Votes 2024 Foreign Policy.
Beijing is sending international reporters to Chinese cities to showcase culture, technology and tourism. What’s missing, say analysts, is an uncensored picture of China and its human rights abuses. Victoria Amunga for VOA News has the story. Videographer: Jimmy Makhulo
Baltic countries are moving to protect NATO's eastern flank in the face of Russian aggression. The Baltic defense line — a new fortification system along their borders with Russia and Belarus — is meant to shield NATO allies from potential attacks. VOA’s Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from the Latvia-Russia border. VOA footage and editing by Daniil Batushchak.
The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” has increased health care access for millions of Americans, but it’s not clear what the future of the program will be under the next president. Neither the Harris nor the Trump campaign has provided details on its vision for the ACA, but voters are watching closely. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story. (Camera and Produced by: Veronica Balderas Iglesias)
Invasive plants and animals disrupt food supplies, carry diseases and cause an estimated $423 billion in damage every year around the world. When an Asian fish called the snakehead invaded waterways near Washington, experts warned it might devour the competition and upset of the ecosystem. But, as VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports, that’s not what ended up happening. VOA footage by Adam Greenbaum.
Three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan has brought misery upon that nation’s girls and women, say critics of the hard-line regime. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this week marked the third anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal – but advocates want to see Washington push harder against the egregious human rights situation. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
In this close US presidential race, the Southern state of Georgia is one of a handful of states that may decide the outcome. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports on what the campaigns are doing in Georgia and how they hope to carry this key swing state.
Following more than nine months of unjust detention, American-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva is adjusting to life in freedom with her family in Prague. While in Washington this week to receive an award, she tells VOA’s Liam Scott the fate of other political prisoners is on her mind. Camera: Cristina Caicedo Smit, Hoshang Fahim, Adam Greenbaum, Krystof Maixner, Martin Bubenik
In an interview with VOA, U.N. experts say terror groups in Africa are increasing their use of drones to carry out operations previously only possible for nation-states. Reporter Henry Wilkins looks at how this makes the work of African states fighting insurgencies even more difficult.
In the summer of 1993, 46 Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and American kids gathered at a camp in the state of Maine. The camp was the brainchild of journalist and author John Wallach, who wanted to provide children of war the chance to build a more secure future. Jeff Swicord reports. Videographer: Karina Chaudhury
In the wake of Russia’s massive air attacks across Ukraine Monday, Ukrainians are moving quickly to get power and transportation back online. Ukraine’s military says Russia launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the attacks, with more strikes on Tuesday. As Lesia Bakalets reports, cities are dealing with power outages, water supply interruptions and train delays. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets
White House officials welcomed the rescue of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas Tuesday and said they are finalizing a Gaza cease-fire deal. But even if an agreement is reached, a future U.S. administration will still inherit the problem of managing tensions in the Middle East. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at potential U.S. policy under Vice President Kamala Harris should she win the November presidential election.
Ruth Chirwa is transforming the fashion industry in Malawi and other developing countries, winning awards and gaining international recognition for her designs. Chirwa's fashion line, Upie Collection, is hosting a fashion show next month that aims to break down barriers between people with disabilities and those without. Lameck Masina reports from Mzuzu city in northern Malawi.
As Israel approaches the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war in Gaza, the site of the Nova music festival has become a place of pilgrimage. At the site, Hamas killed 364 people and took 44 hostage. Linda Gradstein and Ricki Rosen report on Israelis and tourists visiting the memorial. Videographer: Ricki Rosen
Before Russia invaded in February 2022, American football was becoming popular in Ukraine. Today, most of the players are on the front lines. A gentler version of the game — flag football — is gaining ground in the meantime among kids and youth. Tetiana Kukurika has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Sergiy Rybchynski
Immigration is one of the top issues for U.S. voters this November as they decide who will occupy the White House. The difference in policy between the two presidential candidates is stark. VOA’s senior Washington correspondent, Carolyn Presutti, begins our story at a dusty desert stop in Arizona. Video: Adam Greenbaum
Africa's first solar-powered tractor is undergoing field tests in Malawi. Experts say the hand-operated "Aftrak," or Africa tractor, could help smallholder farmers improve crop yields. Lameck Masina reports from Mzimba district in northern Malawi.
The Ukrainian military has come to rely on aid from allies around the world for arms and tactical training. But billions of dollars' worth of supplies and equipment has been donated to Ukraine from inside the country and around the world. Omelyan Oshchudlyak met one industrious monk raising money for the country’s Armed Forces.
The rapid rise in disposable electronic cigarette, or vape, usage is creating a tidal wave of pollution, and it’s raising serious environmental concerns. Aron Ranen reports from New York City about one woman who is trying to make a difference.
Since 2020, Asians Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the U.S., according to Pew Research Center. In 2022, California had the most eligible Asian American voters in the U.S., followed by New York and Texas. From Houston, Texas, Elizabeth Lee has more on the potential and challenges of the Asian American vote.
A memorial run has been held in Simi Valley, California to honor 13 U.S. service members killed three years ago during a suicide bombing as U.S. troops were withdrawing from Afghanistan. VOA’s Genia Dulot attended this year’s run and spoke to two Gold Star families as well as the event organizer, whose son survived the attack at the Kabul airport.
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance said Sunday that he won’t impose a federal abortion ban in the United States if he and Donald Trump win the White House. Meanwhile, the Democratic presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz keeps pushing its messaging for reproductive rights and announced record-breaking campaign donations. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Israel and Hezbollah traded cross-border fire Sunday marking the heaviest exchanges in months. Israel’s military also hit Hamas targets in Gaza, all ahead of cease-fire talks in Egypt. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
Ukraine and Russia conducted their first prisoner-of-war exchange since the beginning of Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. The swap bore symbolism for Ukraine as the country marked its 33rd Independence Day. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, on Friday. VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports from Glendale, Arizona, where the two politicians campaigned together for the first time.
Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed support for Israel in her Democratic National Convention acceptance speech. Pro-Palestinian delegates say they will push to condition U.S. military aid to Israel. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from the convention in Chicago, Illinois.
A mobilization law adopted by Ukraine in May allows certain convicts to serve in the Armed Forces in exchange for parole. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice, more than 6,000 applications have been received and almost 4,000 have been cleared to serve in the army. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. Videographer: Vladyslav Smilianets
New research suggests farmers could boost their profits significantly with a pair of eyeglasses to correct poor vision. But millions of people are unable to access eye care. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Alina is an Afghan transgender person who fled Afghanistan to Peshawar, Pakistan, after the Taliban took over the country. Alina says her life would be in danger if she returned to Afghanistan, but she is also facing threats in Peshawar. Muska Safi has the report, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
A new, highly contagious and severe strain of mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is spreading across the globe following a major outbreak in Africa.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, Ukrainian civilians are coping the best they can. For hundreds, that means attending special military centers to learn how to fight. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Videographer: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Just a month after US President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, Kamala Harris accepted the nomination to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. She contrasted her record and vision to that of her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
This week's episode of The Inside Story brings you coverage from inside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Feel the energy as the party rallies behind Kamala Harris. Plus, we look into the key swing states that will play a pivotal role in this year's election.
The United States continues to lead the push for a cease-fire in the 10-month-old Israel-Hamas war, which would include a halt in fighting and the release of hostages taken in the October 7 terror attack on Israel. Negotiators were set to return to talks in Cairo by the end of the week, after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the region. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more from Washington.
Turkey has been mediating between Ethiopia and Somalia, which are locked in a dispute, mainly over sea access for Ethiopia. At issue is a deal that Ethiopia signed earlier this year with the self-proclaimed, breakaway region of Somaliland. Ankara’s mediation efforts are seen as underlying its growing influence in the strategic Horn of Africa region. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
A green revolution is sweeping Pakistan as consumers switch to generating their own solar electricity. But as VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports, the move to the increasingly affordable, green option may also cause a crisis for the national grid. Videographer: Wajid Asad
The International Atomic Energy Agency said on August 12 that its representatives inspected a damaged cooling tower at the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine. But the question remains: Who did the damage? Mariia Prus has the story.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday that Israel confirmed its support for a proposal to achieve a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. The top U.S. diplomat urged Hamas to back the proposal as well, saying it would help alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Some bosses might want all their workers back in the office, but a clear majority of U.S. workers crave the flexibility of remote or hybrid jobs. And studies have found that such work, if managed well, will not harm a company's culture or capability to innovate. But some companies concerned about productivity are using software to monitor employees working from home. Maxim Adams has the story. Camera: Aleksandr Bergan
A group of North Korean defectors in Seoul has started a news website aimed at exposing North Korean human rights abuses. They also want to provide a more nuanced perspective about their homeland, as VOA's Bill Gallo reports from the South Korean capital. Video: Kim Hyungjin
Germany has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian national in the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines that carry natural gas from Russia to Western Europe. At question is whether the Ukrainian government was involved in the 2022 attack, which many say contributed to a global spike in inflation. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Berlin.
Rita Mawuena Benissan, a Ghanaian American artist, creates art that reflects the beauty of Ghana’s culture and African history. She’s extending her passion to a campaign that seeks the return of artifacts that were created in Ghana centuries ago but now sit in Western museums. Senanu Tord has this report from Accra, Ghana.
Serhiy Danilets is one of the more than 100 thousand Ukrainian soldiers estimated to have been wounded in Russia's war against Ukraine. But serious combat injuries haven’t stopped him and other fighters from enjoying life and, in some cases, making plans to head back to the front lines. Anna Kosstutschenko met with some of them in Kyiv
U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war are being boosted by a new visit from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Middle East. But even as hopes for a cease-fire are high, implementing it could prove challenging, analysts say. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
In the U.S. presidential election, thousands of Democratic Party delegates this week will celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as their presidential ticket for 2024. They are gathering in the Midwest city of Chicago. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti takes a look at some volatile confrontations from past conventions and how support for the party’s candidate has grown since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
The voters of Northampton County in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania have chosen the victor of all but three U.S. presidential elections since 1920. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman looks at how things are shaping up for Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump in this bellwether county.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump laid out their economic visions for the country this week, promising to rein in inflation and slash federal taxes on workers’ tips. While both ideas are popular with voters ahead of the November presidential election, experts say they are not so easy to implement. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Under international law, Ukraine has the right to extend its operations into Russian territory, strike Russian military targets and defend itself against Moscow’s aggression.
Help for Ukraine comes not only from international organizations, foreign governments and large foundations, but also from ordinary citizens across the globe. Among them – a group of individuals in Norfolk, England, who have been helping Ukrainians since the start of Russia’s invasion. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Video: Yuriy Dankevych
Access to nature isn’t just good for your mental health. A long-term study suggests that spending time in green spaces, or by water, can help prevent heart disease. VOA’s Dora Mekouar has more.
Indirect Gaza cease-fire talks resumed Thursday in Doha, Qatar although Hamas said it would not attend the discussions. Many in Israel say this might be the last chance for an agreement that would bring home the 115 hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza following its surprise raid on southern Israel October 7. But significant gaps between the two sides remain. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
More than two and a half years into Russia's war in Ukraine, Germany is considering slashing military assistance to Kyiv by 50%. Berlin is the European Union's largest donor of military aid to Ukraine and second only to the United States, but domestic politics are casting doubt on that role. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Berlin.Camera: Ricardo Marquina
In Nairobi, a new restaurant is generating business and buzz – not just because of the food, but because of the staff. Robots serving dishes is the main attraction of diners who flock to the Robot Cafe. Juma Majanga reports. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo.
Ayesha Rahimi was in 11th grade when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 and barred girls from secondary education. Three years later, Rahimi lives as a refugee in Peshawar, Pakistan, where she hopes to go back to school. VOA’s Muska Safi met with Rahimi in this story narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Azerbaijan and Armenia are in an arms race that threatens to undermine U.S.-backed peace talks between the two Caucasus countries. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
With the 2024 Summer Olympics wrapped up, Paris is now getting ready to host the Paralympics later this month. More than 4,000 athletes with disabilities along with tens of thousands of spectators will attend the events that run from August 28 to September 8. Olympic authorities praise the city for the steps it has taken to make them accessible to all. But disability advocates say much more needs to be done — across France — to change infrastructure and mindsets. Lisa Bryant reports from Paris.
Latvia's government has been moving to phase out teaching in the Russian language in the country's schools. It's part of a bid to reduce Moscow's influence in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But as Henry Wilkins reports from the Latvian capital’s largely Russian-speaking Daugavgriva neighborhood, some educators and security experts say the move could be playing into the hands of the Kremlin's propagandists.
After multiple delays, Ukraine announced this month that it has begun receiving U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets from its European allies. It’s unclear just how many have been delivered though about 20 are expected to arrive this year. Mariia Prus has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Video editor: Anna Rice
Zimbabwe is hosting the annual summit of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Saturday. In the runup to the event, human rights organizations have called on SADC to look at the country's human rights situation. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare.
As thousands of migrants continue to make their way to the United States, and stricter immigration policies make legal entry increasingly difficult, a Mexican border center south of Arizona has become a crucial source of humanitarian aid to migrants. Veronica Villafañe narrates the story reported by Paula Díaz.
Two reports released this week sound the alarm about an increase in efforts to disrupt the U.S. presidential election. They say information manipulation, political violence and intimidation are on the rise. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Take a spin around the globe as we explore Chinatowns from New York to Los Angeles, Nairobi to Singapore, even in far flung cities like Lima and Kabul. See how these vibrant neighborhoods offer a taste of Chinese heritage and traditions while they add in a dash of local flavor.
As Ukrainian forces continue their push deeper into Russia, questions are emerging on what Kyiv plans to do with the territory that Ukraine is capturing. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv.
Deep inside Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest metropolis, residents of the Jaragua Indigenous Territory continue their fight to get the Brazilian government to recognize the area as their own, protected land. Yan Boechat reports.
The United States and key mediators Egypt and Qatar are intensifying efforts to push Israel and Hamas toward a cease-fire deal. Talks are scheduled in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Thursday. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Wisconsin is one of three states in the Midwest both Republicans and Democrats view as critical to their presidential campaigns. VOA’s Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh looks at what’s motivating voters as campaigning in the state ramps up.
Authorities in Britain are trying to work out the origins of the violent far-right protests that erupted in towns and cities across the country earlier this month. While some blame simple racism and false news spread on social media, others say deeper social and economic forces are at work. Henry Ridgwell reports.
In Mozambique, two young innovators are using recycled resources to improve lives in their community, creating solutions for using renewable energy and mapping flood-prone areas. Amarilis Gule has the report from Maputo.
Afghan refugee Gul Ali and his family were living in Pakistan in November when they were deported back home. Just two months later, they came back to Pakistan, saying that they could not find shelter and work in Afghanistan. Muska Safi reports from Peshawar, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas is to travel to Turkey on Wednesday for a two-day visit. Observers say Ankara will seek to use the visit to reassert its regional influence in the wake of growing isolation and the assassination of key ally Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
In Cameroon, some children spend their summer selling goods on the street to generate income for their families. But the government is warning parents against violating child labor practices and exposing minors to dangers. Njodzeka Danhatu reports from Buea. Video Editor: Muleng F. Timngum
Almost two weeks after the assassinations of two senior militant leaders, allegedly by Israel, Israelis are on edge, waiting for expected retaliation. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have the potential to strike most of Israel with long-range missiles and cause widespread damage. But they also do not want an all-out war with Israel. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem.
As Nigeria struggles with food insecurity, young Nigerians and startups are seeking to revolutionize the agricultural sector through technology. In the state of Kaduna, Shamsuddeen Jibril invented a drone that can detect crop diseases. Alhassan Bala has the report from Abuja, Nigeria.
Critics of Vice President Kamala Harris have used her gender as a cudgel, saying subtly and overtly that a woman cannot hold the most powerful job in the free world. Gender scholars say those railing against Harris have also chosen another line of attack: her race. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
The next time there is a census in the United States in 2030, Americans who trace their ancestral roots to the Middle East and North Africa will have their own demographic category – MENA. VOA’s Genia Dulot went to the Little Arabia neighborhood of Anaheim, California, to see what people think about the change.
A year ago, a massive mob attacked Christians in Jaranwala, Pakistan. Crowds of angry Muslims enraged by reports of alleged blasphemy burned several churches and homes. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman visits the city as it approaches the anniversary of the violence.
Ukraine took the fight to Russia in recent days, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Monday his army’s move to “push the war out into the aggressor's territory” with attacks in Russia’s Kursk region. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
San Marino, a landlocked independent republic surrounded by Italy, has been subject to scrutiny due to reports this year highlighting its ties to Russia. Although its officials deny wrongdoing, European Union regulators have expressed concerns that San Marino’s financial services sector could provide a back door into the EU trade bloc for illegal money from Russia. Henry Wilkins reports from San Marino.
Immigration is one of the top issues in the upcoming U.S. election. Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning on her achievements as a prosecutor, while former President Donald Trump blasts the current administration’s record and promises mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainian artists and graphic designers have chosen to fight not only with weapons but also with their creative talent. Their work has been collected in a book called "Wartime Posters," which was on display recently in New York. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Pavlo Terekhov
The first months of 2024 have been the deadliest for motorbikers in Sao Paulo, the most populous and wealthiest state in Brazil. On average, almost seven people died riding a motorbike every day in São Paulo. Experts on health and traffic say the main reason is the rapid expansion of food delivery apps. Yan Boechat has more from São Paulo.
Former President Donald Trump announced that one of his campaign websites was hacked. While details are still coming in, Trump’s VP pick JD Vance granted several news interviews Sunday in which he attacked the Democratic presidential ticket. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz continue rallying supporters on the campaign trail with a focus on the economy. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Will the youth vote send Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to the White House? Organizers on both sides have seen a swell of voter enthusiasm and support, particularly among young people. But the younger demographic has had a historically low turnout at the polls. VOA’s Tina Trinh explores whether that could change come November.
Flying cars, long the dream of futurists, may finally be here. From California, Matt Dibble has our story about the rise of electric aircraft.
The U.S. presidential campaign is being closely followed in Ukraine as its outcome could significantly impact regional security, U.S. foreign policy, NATO support, aid to Ukraine, and relations with Russia. VOA Eastern Europe Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports. Camera: Daniil Batushchak, Vladyslav Smilianets
Following a historic prisoner swap with the United States, Russia continues to propagate the unfounded claim that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was spying for the CIA.
By the beginning of 2024, the war in Ukraine had inflicted over $150 billion of damage on Ukraine's infrastructure, according to the Kyiv School of Economics. But some scholars in the U.S., alongside Ukrainian anti-corruption activists, are already looking ahead to the end of the war and the opportunity to rebuild. Princeton University recently created a legal database to help. Iuliia Iarmolenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Oleksii Osyka
U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to pass the Democratic Party’s torch to Vice President Kamala Harris makes him a lame-duck president – one who remains in office without any hope of an additional term. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House looks at how Biden’s legacy may eventually compare to the previous one-term president who did not run for reelection.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s ties to China will likely inform his work if elected. Where does he stand on key issues? And how does Beijing see him? Everyone has an opinion. VOA’s Anita Powell and Paris Huang report from Washington.
Africa has its own special fan zone at the Paris Olympics. It’s a place where Africa’s citizens and supporters can come together and celebrate the continent’s sports victories — and put its conflicts and political divisions aside. Lisa Bryant reports Ile Saint-Denis.
This week on The Inside Story: Democratic nominee Kamala Harris selects Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Learn more about the Democratic vice presidential pick and JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate. Plus, regional tensions are escalating in the Middle East.
Venezuelan security forces have arrested thousands in the wake of last week’s massive protests by opponents of President Nicolas Maduro who say he stole the country’s July 28 elections. As Yan Boechat reports from Caracas, the latest repression targets Venezuela’s poorest, who until now had been Maduro’s main base of support.
Congressional Republicans closely align with presidential nominee Donald Trump on a number of key foreign policy issues, including U.S. support for Israel. But as VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, lawmakers still have significant differences on China, tariff policy and aid to Ukraine that could complicate a second Trump term. Videographer: Saqib Ui Islam
Israelis see even less hope for a cease-fire agreement after the appointment of Yahya Sinwar as the leader of Hamas, saying Sinwar is even more of an extremist than his predecessor. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem.
Following last week’s prisoner exchange between Russia and Western nations, several of the political prisoners released by Moscow have arrived in Germany, historically a refuge for Russians fighting for change in their homeland. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Berlin.
Now that both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have selected their running mates, the question is whether those picks will actually help boost the campaigns’ chances of winning the November election. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at the historical relevance of vice presidential candidates and what Tim Walz and JD Vance bring to their respective tickets.
As Japan this week marks 79 years since the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by nuclear bombs at the end of World War II, Japanese officials have restated their aim to rid the world of atomic weapons. However, after decades of pacifism, the country is undergoing profound changes in its attitude to military power amid multiple regional threats. Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo.
China’s Confucius Institutes teach Chinese around the world, but there’s more to them than that. VOA's Kate Bartlett visited a new one that is hundreds of kilometers outside the capital in rural South Africa that’s also focusing on green technology. Camera: Zaheer Cassim.
The two U.S. presidential tickets are set. Vice President Kamala Harris named her running mate Tuesday. But the Democratic Party nominee wasn’t alone making news in one of America’s oldest cities, Philadelphia, in the northeastern state of Pennsylvania. That’s where we find VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, capping off a whirlwind sequence of events since President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee less than three weeks ago. Harris and Walz will kick off a seven-state trip to some of the biggest battleground states in the election. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Esteemed American astronaut, geoscience professor and artist Sian Proctor is touring South African schools to emphasize the importance of education in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Her goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in the sciences and equip them for space jobs. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg. (Camera and Produced by Zaheer Cassim)
Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, capping off a whirlwind sequence of events since President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the top of the Democratic party's presidential nominee less than three weeks ago. Harris and Walz will kick off a seven-state trip to some of the biggest battleground states in the election. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Thousands of Venezuelans have been protesting following allegations the July 28 presidential election result was rigged. The government-aligned National Electoral Council certified the vote for President Nicolas Maduro, securing him a third six-year term in office.
Nearly all the strawberries grown in the United States come from California, where agro robots are helping harvest berries at just the right time. VOA’s Genia Dulot reports from Southern California in this week’s episode of LogOn. (Camera: Genia Dulot )
U.S. President Joe Biden met with his national security team Monday and spoke with the king of Jordan to defuse heightened tensions in the Middle East after a pair of high-profile assassinations. Israel’s leader has warned the country will exact a “heavy price” if attacked by Iran or its proxies in the region. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian symbol has seen increased global attention: the keffiyeh. Once a simple article of Bedouin clothing, the Arab headdress has become symbolic: to some, a sign of resistance; to others, something to be banned, and others still, an article of high fashion. VOA’s Keith Lane brings us this report.
As Israel braces for possible attacks by Iran and Hezbollah, families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza marked 300 days last week since the war with marches and gatherings with warnings that time is running out. In Gaza, the death toll approaches 40,000 and health officials warn of a growing health crisis as hepatitis cases surpass 100,000. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Zev Schwartz
As tensions mount between Israel and Iran, there are warnings that threats by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to intervene in Gaza could make things worse in the region. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
In the U.S. presidential election, likely Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate Tuesday. Republican candidate Donald Trump last month chose Ohio Senator JD Vance. Vance went to law school at Yale, where he met his wife, Usha. She is a first-generation daughter of Indian immigrants who recently left her job at a top Washington, D.C., and California law firm. VOA’s Dora Mekouar has more about her. VOA footage by Adam Greenbaum.
Abortion is restricted in Kenya, but in Kilifi County on the southern coast many women and girls with unplanned pregnancies say they have no choice but to undergo dangerous abortions without the intervention of a nurse or doctor. Local activists say the practice is contributing to high maternal mortality in the region. Halima Gongo reports.
A community of breastfeeding women in Uganda is helping mothers who are struggling not to just feed their newborn babies, but to keep them alive. Halima Athumani and Mukasa Francis report from Uganda’s capital Kampala.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly narrowing down her choices for a running mate in the 2024 presidential race. Her new vice presidential pick will join her at a campaign event Tuesday in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump took to social media to make his case on why there should be a change in venue and date for the next presidential debate. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. (Produced by Henry Hernandez)
The United States, Western partners, and Jordan are telling their citizens to leave Lebanon. This as Washington deploys additional military to the Middle East in posturing the White House describes as defensive amid fears of an Iranian military strike on Israel. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
Ukrainian tennis player Alex Dolgopolov was once ranked 13th in the world. But shortly after Russia invaded his homeland in 2022, he volunteered to fight on the front lines. Anna Kosstutschenko met with the tennis star turned drone operator. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy.
With Democratic nominee Kamala Harris set to face off with Republican Donald Trump for the U.S. presidency, Harris' positions on military support to Israel and Ukraine; a rising China; and the migrant crisis at the southern border are under increased scrutiny. As VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports, expect a continuation of Biden administration policies with a few shifts in emphasis.
The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to administer the SAT exam to high school students worldwide. In response, US colleges and universities that required the exam for admissions made the test optional. Now, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, a trend is growing in higher education to again require the SAT. VOA's Robin Guess has the story.
Ten years ago, the Islamic State terrorist group inflicted genocide and mass displacement on the Yazidi ethno-religious minority in northern Iraq. Thousands returned home this year at the urging of the Iraqi government. But as VOA’s Kawa Omar reports, many now live in sweltering tents on their ruined properties.
New York ranks fourth in the nation for human trafficking cases, according to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. And authorities say the numbers have grown with the recent increase in undocumented migrants in the city. VOA's Aunshuman Apte spoke with a woman who lived through the experience and now advocates for trafficking victims.
Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance is the first person from the millennial generation to run on a U.S. major party presidential ticket. VOA’s Elizabeth Cherneff looks at how some millennial voters see November’s election. VOA footage by Scott Stearns, Mary Cieslak and Genia Dulot.
Three Americans unjustly detained in Russia stepped foot on U.S. soil again late Thursday. Waiting for them, President Joe Biden and their loved ones. VOA’s Jessica Jerreat reports.
The United Nations' climate crisis coordinator and a top World Food Program official are in southern Africa, assessing a drought-driven humanitarian crisis blamed on the El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change. Columbus Mavhunga joined them in some of Zimbabwe's most affected places, where water sources are drying up.Camera: Columbus Mavhunga
Americans Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, and others are freed from Russian prisons in a deal involving 16 political prisoners exchanged for eight individuals requested by the Kremlin. With Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit, Jessica Jerreat reports. Patsy Widakuswara contributed. Cameras: Martin Bubenik, Krystof Maixner, Hoshang Fahim.
The largest prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War, an update on the U.S. presidential election, and we explore how the election might influence U.S. support for Israel amid regional conflicts. Join us for The Inside Story: USA Votes 2024.
In a U.S. election season that has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, social media users have responded in kind … with coconuts and cat ladies. VOA’s Tina Trinh explains.
The war in Ukraine has killed hundreds of the country’s most promising athletes. But that hasn’t stopped Kyiv from sending a 140-member Olympic team to the Paris Games. Lisa Bryant has more from the French capital.
China is expanding its imports of semi-processed agriculture from Africa in an effort to address a trade imbalance and also as a way of diversifying global food chains amid geo-political tensions. Kate Bartlett visits South Africa’s rural Limpopo province where avocado farmers are getting ready to export their products to the Chinese market for the first time. Video editor: Zaheer Cassim
Solar panels, battery stations and generators have become allies for Ukrainian homeowners as they start getting ready for another winter of Russian attacks on their nation’s power grid. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. (Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets)
The United States has moved to significantly strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific in recent days amid the security threat from China – including a major upgrade of its military command in Japan. Just how ready are the United States and its allies to act if conflict erupts? Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo.
In the U.S. presidential contest, Republican candidate Donald Trump and likely Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are both out on the campaign trail, where Trump questioned Harris’ racial identity and Harris challenged Trump to debate. With fewer than 100 days before Election Day, VOA correspondent Scott Stearns looks at the state of the race and what voters are saying about the candidates.
Recent protests in Kenya that forced the president to dissolve his cabinet have been led by members of Generation Z, many of whom identify as tribeless and classless. Who are these young protesters? Juma Majanga reports. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo.
Every Wednesday, a run club in New York City brings together hundreds of people who are not only looking to stay fit but also searching for love. A three-mile run is followed by beers at local bars, during which the club’s members try to find romantic partners or make new friends. June Hsu reports. Camera: Michael Eckels.
Israel is bracing for retaliation from Iran after senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated there. Iran immediately blamed Israel, which did not comment. But Israel has previously said it will assassinate every Hamas member involved in the October 7 terror attack. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem.
The United States said it was not involved in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in an overnight strike in Tehran. Haniyeh is the second Iran-backed militant group leader assassinated this week. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
Only days into the Paris Olympics, France has already weathered attacks on its rail and internet service. But it’s also mounted a massive security umbrella that includes tens of thousands of police, gendarmes — and soldiers. Many troops now patrolling the streets of the French capital have done duty in foreign countries, as Lisa Bryant reports from Paris.
Tensions are escalating in Lebanon, where Israel on Tuesday said it attacked Hezbollah targets in seven areas of south Lebanon with airstrikes and artillery fire. As Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem, people in both countries are bracing for a full-scale Israeli response to a Hezbollah rocket attack Sunday that killed 12 Druze children and teenagers. VOA footage by Zev Schwartz.
An announcement that China's car giant BYD will build a billion-dollar factory in Turkey marks a big turnaround in relations between the two countries. The move comes after years of tensions over Ankara's support of Chinese minority Uyghurs. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the two countries are increasingly finding common ground not only economically but diplomatically.
Foreign interference in American politics has been in the spotlight in recent years, leading to discussions about national security, the integrity of elections and what democracy actually means in a world that is more interconnected. VOA explains the landscape surrounding foreign influence in U.S. elections, exploring the regulations, loopholes, and evolving challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
A California company is developing a material that can cool things by sending heat into deep space. Matt Dibble has our story in this week’s edition of LogOn.
Access to abortion is one of the main topics in this year’s U.S. presidential race. The Kamala Harris campaign is betting on support for abortion rights driving voters to the polls in November, while Donald Trump and the Republican party have toned down their anti-abortion public stances on the matter. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has more.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has falsely claimed that its air force fighter jets prevented two American strategic bombers from entering Russian airspace in the Arctic. The two B-52 Stratofortress long-range bombers were actually en route to an airbase near the Black Sea coast in Romania.
Large numbers of Venezuelans took part in Sunday’s presidential election, whose process has drawn scrutiny. Although some Venezuelans have taken to the streets to protest the results, others do not dispute them. Meanwhile, the international community is calling for an independent verification of the vote. VOA’s Celia Mendoza reports from the State Department.
Among all the communities bordering Gaza, Kibbutz Beeri was hit hardest in the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack, with 101 of its civilian residents murdered and 30 taken hostage. Now the community is starting to rebuild. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Kibbutz Beeri. Camera credit: Ricki Rosen.
London police in April said they had charged two British men with aiding Russian intelligence following a suspected arson attack on a business with ties to Ukraine. This and other incidents have shaken Ukrainians who feel targeted in places where they have sought refuge. Henry Wilkins reports.
Armenia’s military exercises with the United States in July and increased diplomatic contacts with Western Europe suggest Yerevan continues its efforts to pivot away from Moscow. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the success of those efforts depends largely on Armenia’s rival, Azerbaijan, and ongoing U.S.-backed peace efforts.
With President Joe Biden withdrawing from reelection, Republican nominee Donald Trump is shifting focus to his likely opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. VOA immigration reporter Aline Barros says Trump’s Republican Party is attacking Harris’ work on immigration issues, calling her a “border czar.”
When a 2023 study found women were underrepresented and marginalized in the Liberian media industry — and portrayed negatively in news coverage — a female journalists association set up a pilot program to bring about change. From Monrovia, Liberia, VOA's Senanu Tord has more.
The malaria parasite is showing signs of resistance to artemisinin, the main drug used to fight the disease, in parts of Africa. A new report warns of potentially millions more deaths without immediate health policy changes. Henry Ridgwell has more from Bangkok.
The construction industry is finding new uses for artificial intelligence. In a multi-story building project in the northwestern U.S. city of Seattle, autonomous robots are tasked with documenting progress and detecting potential hazards. VOA's Natasha Mozgovaya has the story.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, have gone on the attack against each other as they seek to appeal to undecided voters in swing states. The race is expected to continue heating up now that Election Day is just a little more than three months away. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country may deploy new “strike weapons” in response to a U.S. plan to place missiles in Germany. Both the U.S. and Russia recently signaled a readiness to deploy intermediate-range weapons that were banned for decades under a Cold War-era treaty. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
An engineer in Nigeria is aiming to create a new industry for his country with his unique made-in-Nigeria car prototype. Emeka Gibson has this report from Abuja, narrated by Anthony LaBruto.
Vincent Leygonie is representing South Africa at the BMX Freestyle event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ihsaan Haffejee has the 27-year-old cyclist’s story.
In the U.S. presidential campaign, Democrats say former President Donald Trump will destroy democratic institutions if he’s reelected in November. But Trump’s Republican Party says it is Democrats who are thwarting democracy by pressuring President Joe Biden to quit the race after party primary elections were over. VOA’s Dora Mekouar explores whether any one president really has the power to destroy democracy.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered competing views on the war in Gaza as they met separately with Israel's prime minister this week. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports. Warning: This video includes graphic images that some may find disturbing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism from a press advocacy group as he visited Washington this week to address Congress and hold talks at the White House. Robin Guess reports from Washington.
Attacks, arrests and restrictions on journalists including over coverage of youth demonstrations is causing concern among Kenyan media. Journalists are taking to the streets to protest. Juma Majanga covered the protests and filed this report from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Amos Wangwa
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech on Wednesday to Congress highlighted US partisan divisions on his conduct of the war against the Hamas terror group, and some of his differences with President Joe Biden on how best to secure Israel’s future. VOA’s Michael Lipin looks at how Netanyahu’s address and Biden’s decision last weekend not to run for reelection may affect US policy on the Israel-Hamas war in the coming months.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met separately with Israel's leader Thursday at the White House — as a sensitive moment in the Gaza conflict collided with an unprecedented moment in American politics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also plans to meet on Friday with former President Donald Trump. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
Billions of dollars, millions of tourists, and thousands of athletes and security forces are behind the Paris Olympics, which kick off Friday with a ceremony on the Seine River. The city’s first Olympic Games in a century faced some roadblocks in the run-up, from political upheaval and bad weather, to threats of COVID-19 and strike action. Lisa Bryant reports.
A seismic shift in American politics as President Joe Biden announces he will no longer seek reelection. This paves the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to face former President Donald Trump in November's high-stakes presidential election. This week on the Inside Story: Biden Ends Reelection Bid.
Who will she pick? That’s the big political question in America after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid and Vice President Kamala Harris became the likely Democratic nominee. The selection in question is Harris’ running mate against Republicans Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman is at the White House and has this report. (Camera: Anne-Marie Frederick)
YouTube star Lily Hevesh has been mesmerizing viewers with domino creations for 15 years. Last weekend, at the National Building Museum in Washington, she completed her most ambitious project yet: she brought down an installation of 100,000 dominoes and set a world record. Maxim Adams reports. Camera: Dmitry Shakhov, Artem Kohan.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday explained to American citizens and to the world why he decided not to stand for reelection in the 2024 presidential race. Biden, speaking from the Oval Office, also outlined what urgent challenges he sees as the nation careens toward a November vote. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports.
Israel’s West Bank settlement policy is coming under growing international criticism. The International Court of Justice ruled last week that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal, yet Israel continues expanding its settlements. Linda Gradstein reports from the West Bank. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
In an effort to prevent drownings and give kids a chance to learn how to play safely in water, Rising Tide Effect teaches youth how to swim in a pool as well as an ocean. June Hsu and Rendy Wicaksana report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a divided U.S. Congress on Wednesday, with many Democratic lawmakers boycotting his speech but Republicans saying it was key to reaffirming the U.S. commitment to its Middle Eastern ally. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
A Kenyan entrepreneur is helping people in wheelchairs get around in a country that is hard for people with disabilities to navigate. Through his company, Ace Mobility, users can hail cars and drivers equipped to accommodate disabled passengers. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.
As Benjamin Netanyahu addressed both houses of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, thousands of people protested outside the Capitol, denouncing the Israeli prime minister for Israel’s war against Hamas. Robin Guess reports from Washington.
A group of young African students is shooting for the stars thanks to a program called ‘Pathways to Space.’ Aerospace company Boeing and a South African science organization backed an education program that just celebrated its first batch of graduates. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town.
In the U.S. presidential campaign, Republican candidate Donald Trump is facing a new opponent with President Joe Biden’s withdrawal as his party’s presumptive nominee. VOA's Scott Stearns looks at how Trump’s campaign is recalibrating its approach to take on Vice President Kamala Harris.
In the Pacific Northwest, there is a marching group that has thrilled parade audiences for more than 70 years. The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team has brought a sense of community and identity for generations of Chinese American girls. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya reports.
As Taiwan hosts annual military exercises this week, it is also holding air raid drills to raise public awareness about how to respond to an attack from China and where to seek shelter. Officials want this year’s exercises to be as realistic as possible. VOA’s William Yang has more from Taipei. (Camera: William Yang)
President Joe Biden returned to the White House Tuesday after an eventful news week that he spent entirely out of the spotlight – yet still managed to dominate with news of his exit from the presidential race. Meanwhile, his vice president hit the road launching her presidential campaign. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Rights groups accuse French authorities of "social cleansing” ahead of the Paris Olympics by uprooting migrants, sex workers and others around the capital — undermining promises of making these Games the most inclusive ever. The government says it’s simply trying to address a longstanding problem. Lisa Bryant has more from the French capital.
Voters in the United States are facing a new presidential campaign with incumbent Joe Biden dropping out and Vice President Kamala Harris likely to be the Democratic Party’s nominee to face Donald Trump in November. VOA’s Scott Stearns looks at how some voters are reacting to the change. VOA footage by Michael Eckels.
Some people who have lost the ability to speak can still move their vocal cords. California researchers are working to transform those muscle movements into audible speech. Genia Dulot reports from Los Angeles in this week’s edition of LogOn.
Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week with a scheduled speech to Congress and meeting at the White House. The Israeli prime minister is landing in the middle of U.S. political turmoil following President Joe Biden’s decision Sunday to withdraw from the presidential race, which could add another layer of uncertainty to U.S.-Israel relations at a crucial moment in the Gaza war. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this preview.
U.S. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle faced calls to resign from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle Monday as she testified about the agency’s failure to prevent the assassination attempt against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. VOA’s congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more on concerns about security during the upcoming election season.
President Joe Biden’s Sunday decision to step out of the presidential race sent shock waves through the White House and beyond, leaving uncertainty about the Democratic nomination in its wake. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell reports.
Russian courts convicted two American journalists on Friday, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva. Press freedom advocates say both are wrongfully detained. With Liam Scott in Prague and Cristina Caicedo Smit in Washington, Jessica Jerreat has the story for VOA News. (Camera: Martin Bubenik, Krystof Maixner, Hoshang Fahim)
President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection has upended the U.S. presidential campaign just days after the opposing Republican Party formally chose Donald Trump as its nominee. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports on voters’ reactions to the shifting political landscape. Contributor: Nina Vishneva Videographer: Michael Eckels
Sun Gao started playing table tennis at age five. The four-time Olympian (1992, 2000, 2004, 2008) 1- time Olympic silver medalist is one of the 2024 National Team Coaches for Team USA Table Tennis. Gao is also the Founder of California Table Tennis Club in Rosemead, CA. She continues to excel in table tennis and is Head Coach of US Women’s National Team.
Meet USA Archery Head Coach Kisik Lee. Lee shares his Olympic coaching knowledge across Korea, Australia, and the US. Renowned for innovative techniques, Lee's coaching influences archers worldwide. With the 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, American Olympians, including Brady Ellison, aim for success under Lee's guidance.
In the US, soccer's rise is fueled by renowned global icons of the sport like Beckham and Messi. Now, Belgrade native Marko Mitrović plays a crucial role in cultivating top-tier players and strategic prowess for the U.S. national soccer team. His multilingual skills and attentive leadership, particularly evident during the Phoenix training camp, show his dedication to all players, including those with dual citizenship. Under his guidance, these talents have a unique chance to hone their skills against global elites and vie for Olympic glory.
Misha Itkin, a Ukrainian American fencing coach, is leading Team US Foil Fencing to the 2024 Paris Olympics. From Lviv, Ukraine, Itkin's fencing journey began at age 11, under Soviet training. Now in LA, his International Fencing Center has groomed Olympians like his son Nick Itkin and Miles Chamley-Watson. Witness their path, including the Olympic foil qualifier in Washington D.C.
The recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump should be a "wake-up call" on gun violence, says U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who recently declared firearm violence in America a “public health crisis.” But disagreements on how to resolve the matter prevail. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias has more.
Hours after 81-year-old President Joe Biden announced he was abandoning his bid for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination, VOA spoke with Americans on the streets of New York about their reactions to the historic news.
After weeks of speculation and intense pressure from within his own Democratic Party, U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor sent shockwaves across the nation Sunday. VOA’s Richard Green has more on how Biden’s withdrawal reshapes the 2024 race for the White House.
President Joe Biden announced Sunday he’s ending his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic party’s nominee on the November ballot. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Kamala Harris, America’s first-ever female vice president, could be nominated to take the top spot on the Democratic Party ticket for president of the United States. Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti looks back at her roots and her past four years in office.
In Malawi, according to the U.N.’s most recent numbers, over 15% of children under the age of 18 are orphans, due in part to the high prevalence of deaths from HIV and AIDS among caregivers. The Zoe Foundation is trying to give these at-risk children a future. Reporting from Ndodani village in Lilongwe, Malawi, Chimwemwe Padatha has more.
Ohio U.S. Senator J.D. Vance was named the vice presidential candidate to presidential candidate Donald Trump. His policies mesh with the former president’s, but his background couldn’t be more different. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti shows us what Vance brings to the ticket. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. VOA footage by Mary Cieslak.
During the Republican National Convention, which ended Thursday, delegates approved a political platform that barely mentions abortion — a stark contrast to previous party positions. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman reports from the convention that this softer official stance on reproductive rights is aimed at making its candidate, Donald Trump, more appealing to undecided voters. VOA footage by Mary Cieslak.
Russia sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison Friday in a trial widely seen as a sham. VOA’s Steve Baragona narrates this report from Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit. Cameras: Martin Bubenik, Krystof Maixner, Hoshang Fahim.
President Joe Biden released a statement Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. He threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report on one scenario moving forward.
What started as digital activism by young Kenyans on social media raising their concerns over a government tax bill has developed into a movement. It has forced President William Ruto to drop the bill and fire nearly his entire cabinet. Experts say the uprising of young people in Kenya could have ripple effects across Africa, the world's youngest continent. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi. Camera: Amos Wangwa.
As some leading Democrats pressure incumbent President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid, Republicans are among those speculating about who might replace him on November’s ballot to face their nominee – former President Donald Trump. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman was at this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and filed this report.
The Republican National Convention ended Thursday night with a speech by the party's official presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump. He had been in the audience watching the convention all week, but Thursday was his first public speech since he was the target of an assassination attempt last Saturday. VOA's Senior National Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti brings us the sights and sounds from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kim Lewis and Tatiana Koprowitz contributed to this report.
This week, a look at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where former President Donald Trump makes a triumphant appearance after surviving an assassination attempt. On the other side of the aisle, President Joe Biden answers questions about his future.
The U.S. military is dismantling the temporary pier it built to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. But officials say the military will continue to help transfer aid for Gaza from Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb reports.
U.S. President Joe Biden faces physical and political isolation as he deals with COVID and as more Democrats urge him to step aside as the party’s nominee. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Though America has seen a number of political parties throughout its history, the two-party system of Democrats and Republicans still dominates the political process.
After the Apollo program ended, the US took a long hiatus from lunar exploration. What happened during this time, and what has NASA been doing? This documentary by the Voice of America's Russian service focuses on the details of the NASA's Artemis program and plans to further explore the Moon and Mars.
A judo contest lasts 4 minutes. The goal is to make your opponent fall down or to immobilize him or her.
Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance took center stage at the third night of the Republican National Convention Wednesday. Donald Trump’s running mate embraced an “America First” approach to foreign policy and security. VOA's Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
An investigative media outlet in Peru uncovered high-level government corruption. Now their journalists are confronted with threats and legal action. For VOA News, Monica Várgas in Lima and Cristina Caicedo Smit in Washington have the story.
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the media are working to verify details of the attack and to combat fast-spreading mis- and disinformation. Ethics experts are looking at how the attack is being framed. With Liam Scott, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story for VOA News.
Indonesia has become a temporary home for thousands of refugees from Asia and Africa. Dave Grunebaum reports from Cisarua, Indonesia, on a program that is helping some of them prepare for the lives that lie ahead of them. (Camera: Dave Grunebaum)
The corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez ends with guilty verdicts on all charges against him. Aron Ranen reports from New York City.
A Pew Research Center survey finds most people recognize China’s economic influence in their country, but are divided on whether that influence is good. The poll also finds more people in the U.S. view China’s economic influence negatively compared to other countries. Michael Baturin reports. Camera: Elizabeth Lee.
Israelis are closely watching the U.S. elections, seeing the results as crucial in deciding the outcome of the war in Gaza and its aftermath. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
Sixty-four percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. While opportunities to participate in sports are generally scant for this population, they barely exist for the country's girls. Sidra Dar meets two Pakistani sisters in Karachi who are trying to change that, in this story narrated by Aisha Khalid. (Camera: Muhammad Khalil)
Audio deepfakes have been used to try and sway voters in elections this year. VOA’s Matt Dibble looks at how artificial intelligence can help detect synthetic voices in this week’s episode of LogOn.
The United States Secret Service says it’s “confident” in its ability to safeguard this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This, after the party’s leader, Donald Trump, survived an assassination attempt over the weekend. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
The deadly July 8 Russian missile attack that damaged Ukraine’s largest children hospital also destroyed its school for seriously ill patients trying to keep up with their studies. The School of Superheroes, launched at Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, is now offered at other children’s hospitals in Ukraine. Anna Kosstutschenko has more from Kyiv. (Camera and Produced by: Pavel Suhodolskiy)
The Kenyan government is using a new mobile application to educate girls about menstrual health. Through the Oky Kenya app, users can access information on hygiene and other topics. The goal is to dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation and protect girls against teenage pregnancies. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.
Rima Ziuraitis, an American of Lithuanian descent, has been teaching basic first aid to military personnel and civilians in Ukraine for over a year. Ziuraitis, who first arrived in Ukraine as a volunteer in the fall of 2022, has decided to stay in the country and become a medical instructor. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story.
The FBI has named a suspect in what it called an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s campaign says Trump is “fine” after the shooting. An investigation into the incident is underway. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Israel carried out a major airstrike in southern Gaza on Saturday targeting the commander of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while Deif’s death could not yet be confirmed, Israel will kill all of the Hamas leaders. Hamas says at least 90 Palestinian civilians were killed. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
President Joe Biden said Saturday that "everybody must condemn" the suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, adding that he hoped to speak with his 2024 presidential rival soon.
Donald Trump was whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd. Trump was showing a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing out. Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck. He quickly ducked behind the podium as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams rang out from the crowd. The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.
The NATO alliance completed its annual summit this week in Washington, celebrating its 75th anniversary and making long-term commitments of military support for Ukraine. It promised the country’s future is in NATO, while calling out China, Iran and North Korea for enabling Russian belligerence. Jeff Custer reports.
Nearly 4 million Ukrainians are internally displaced since Russia’s invasion. As of early May, nearly 150,000 of them were living in the Khmelnytskyi region, west of Kyiv. Some of them say they aren’t waiting for the war to end and are building new lives where they are. Tetiana Kukurika has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Sergiy Rybchynski.
U.S. lawmakers meeting with NATO allies in Washington this week are looking at how the U.S. presidential election in November may affect support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Capitol Hill.
Experts warn that the African penguin could be extinct in the wild by 2035. That’s why two environmental groups are taking legal action against the South African government to help save the species. Reporter Vicky Stark in Cape Town, South Africa, has the story.
Rwandans will decide on July 15 whether to grant a fourth term to President Paul Kagame, the country’s ruler since 2000. The National Electoral Commission received nine applications but cleared only three, excluding one of Kagame’s fiercest critics. VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo has this report from the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
The United Nations humanitarian agency says it is struggling to raise enough funds to tackle an alarming rate of food insecurity in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast. Officials say a rising number of global crises are forcing countries that need help to compete for scarce resources. VOA Correspondent Timothy Obiezu reports from Dikwa in Borno state. Warning: The following video includes graphic images that some may find disturbing. View discretion is advised.
Members of the world’s largest military alliance converge in Washington to commemorate NATO's 75th anniversary. Explore the pressing issues of European security and Ukraine’s defense. Plus, catch up on the latest developments in elections across Britain, France, and the United States.
Water for irrigation is once again flowing from Syria’s Al Balaa reservoir after it was rehabilitated recently following years of wartime attacks. With Moawia Atrash and Ahmad Fallaha, Dorian Jones reports the dam’s restoration has opened a lifeline for besieged farmers in the face of a continuing war, rising unemployment, and food insecurity. (Camera: Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha)
The killing of a sixth journalist in Pakistan underscores the dangers for local media, say analysts and reporters. With threats increasing, including on the border with Afghanistan, some journalists fear for their safety. For VOA News' Tabinda Naeem, Elizabeth Cherneff narrates.
Pakistan is increasingly becoming an authoritarian state, critics say. On Monday, the government authorized a military spy agency to tap civilians’ phones. From Islamabad, VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman looks at why the state is clamping down on people’s rights to free speech and privacy. Camera: Wajid Asad
With massive missile attacks on Ukraine this week and an announcement that it is resuming production of long-range missiles, Moscow is raising pressure on NATO allies as leaders of the alliance meet in Washington. Marcus Harton narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina.
At a summit between India and Russia this week, both countries said they were committed to deepening the relationship. Anjana Pasricha reports on why India is enhancing its partnership with Russia, which has been isolated by Western countries over its war in Ukraine.
South Africa’s newly-appointed minister of sports – a self-described former gangster – wants to promote a sport that has associations with South African gangster culture. The sport of “spinning” involves fast-moving cars and dangerous stunts, and as Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg, the way it’s conducted is not always legal.
NATO allies on Wednesday pledged to support Ukraine on an "irreversible” path to integration while calling on China to cease all support for Russia's war effort against Kyiv. This as new fighter jets are set to patrol the skies of Ukraine. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has the details.
In Ukraine, Kyiv’s largest children’s hospital and some residential buildings were damaged by a Russian missile attack on July 8. The next day, residents were allowed to briefly go back to collect some personal belongings. Anna Kosstutschenko spoke to some of them as they returned from their homes. VOA footage and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
American soldier Jericho Magallon went to fight in Ukraine in March 2022. He was killed in September near Bakhmut. In late June, his body was brought back home to California for a funeral. VOA Russian Service spoke with his mother and siblings about his life in this story narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian.
John Collins visited Ghana as a child with his father. But life brought him back years later, and the musician never left. VOA’s Isaac Kaledzi met him in Accra and Anthony Labruto narrates.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed NATO leaders and heralded the alliance’s 75th anniversary while making the case for peace through strength amid the largest challenge to peace Europe has faced in decades. Other administration officials made similar arguments for bolstering defense to fight global threats. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington
U.S. lawmakers returned to the nation’s capital this week for the first time since President Joe Biden’s debate against presumptive presidential Republican nominee Donald Trump in June. Katherine Gypson reports on calls from Capitol Hill for Biden to step aside. Kim Lewis contributed to this report.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants Russia to be part of talks with Syria on the return of millions of refugees. Erdogan’s call this week for dialogue with Syria follows a spate of protests and rioting by Turks who want their government to stop hosting refugees from Syria’s 13-year-old civil war. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
New York City officials are contending with a surge of illegal marijuana shops that have appeared on nearly every corner of the Big Apple due to cannabis legalization. Aron Ranen reports.
Burkina Faso is home to many people internally displaced by years of insecurity and conflict. Most of them live in various towns across the country, and some are now trying to find jobs in the capital, Ouagadougou, or starting businesses. VOA’s Gildas Da has this report, narrated by Anthony LaBruto.
A new homebuilding method with ancient roots in adobe offers protection from wildfires, earthquakes, high winds and floods, while being climate friendly and sustainable. The secret ingredient: compressed earth blocks made from mud. Shelley Schlender has the story in this week’s episode of LogOn from Superior, Colorado.
Popular Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez has successfully transitioned to Hollywood. His bilingual comedy "Acapulco" on Apple TV is critically acclaimed and has put his work in front of new audiences. The show's star and producer spoke with Veronica Villafañe about his mission to create an authentic, family-friendly series that positively represents his home country.
President Joe Biden welcomes members of the newly enlarged NATO alliance this week for a summit aimed at planning for Ukraine’s future defense — and, some observers say, “Trump-proofing” it if Biden loses the November poll amid growing doubts over his future. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Italy is trying a new development-focused approach to preventing migrants from trying to cross the Mediterranean from Africa. For VOA, Henry Wilkins reports from the Italian island of Lampedusa, where residents are welcoming the measure after thousands arrived there in a single week last year.
After recent years of mistrust, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends NATO’s summit in Washington on Tuesday, hoping to reset relations with Western allies. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Talks to find a political way forward have started in France, following the stunning results of snap legislative elections Sunday that put the left, and not the far right, on top. The polls left the country with no clear political majority or path to forming a government, just three weeks before the Paris Olympics. Lisa Bryant reports from the suburb of Neuilly-Plaisance, just outside the French capital.
In Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, an Italian expatriate runs a rather unique business for a foreigner, selling grilled pork, a highly appreciated dish. Gildas Da has the story narrated by Arzouma Kampaore.
A young Frenchman who settled in Senegal a little over a year ago decided to master the local Wolof language. Now he’s teaching it to other people on social media. Allison Fernandes has the story, narrated by Michelle Joseph.
As the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza entered its ninth month Sunday, the Palestinian militant group said it is waiting for an Israeli response after dropping a key demand in its response to a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump differ sharply on immigration. Both sparred over immigration at their first presidential debate. VOA’s immigration correspondent Aline Barros has the story.
Britain has a new government. Keir Starmer’s center-left Labour Party won a landslide victory in Thursday’s election with a 412-seat majority in Parliament. How might Britain’s role in the world change under Prime Minister Starmer? Henry Ridgwell has more from London.
Jakarta will lose its status as Indonesia’s political capital this year. But the city — which is facing a host of problems — will remain the country’s commercial capital. Dave Grunebaum reports from Jakarta on some of the issues and potential solutions.
The Fourth of July Independence Day holiday in the United States includes lots of fireworks. One town in Oregon is forgoing the noisy celebration that disturbs marine birds nesting on its rocky shore. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya takes us to The Great Puffin Watch Party.
Violence against reporters covering environmental issues is trending upward, according to UNESCO and media advocates. For VOA News, Robin Guess reports.
July 20 marks the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. An interactive exhibit at Manhattan's Intrepid Museum reminds viewers of the enormity of that undertaking and what went into the first moon landing. Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Vladimir Badikov.
NATO will roll out "concrete ways" to accelerate Ukraine’s eventual membership in the Atlantic alliance during a summit next week in Washington. The summit will also address top security concerns amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has the story, narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.
As Ukraine’s war against Russia’s invasion drags on, Ukrainians are fighting to preserve their history. They say Russia is deliberately attacking cultural monuments in a bid to erase the country’s history and identity as a separate nation. For VOA, Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv. VOA footage by Eugene Shynkar, Vladyslav Smilianets.
Despite 20 years of government treatment programs and a Taliban-imposed ban on poppy cultivation, opium addiction rates continue to rise in Afghanistan. Some Afghans who are addicted to drugs say the Taliban should crack down harder on the sales and purchase of illicit drugs. Mohammad Zaman Sohail has this report from Jalalabad, narrated by Shaista Sadat Lami. Contributors: Anne Ball and Rahim Gul Sarwan
Turkey’s bid to join the BRICS trading group is likely a topic discussed between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the bid has Erdogan playing a delicate balancing act in his relations with both Washington and Moscow.
It's being called one of the most critical elections in American history. President Joe Biden faces former President Donald Trump in a rematch. We bring you reactions from the first 2024 Presidential debate and what a second term could mean for the U.S. and the world. This week on The Inside Story: USA Votes 2024.
Between the southernmost tip of the United States and Cuba lies a body of water called the Florida Straits. Coast Guard vehicles patrol these waters daily, looking for migrants illegally trying to enter the U.S. VOA earlier this year got an exclusive flight with the U.S. Coast Guard on patrol. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti takes us along on the ride. (Camera and produced by: Mary Cieslak)
Russian shelling continues to degrade Ukraine’s energy system. Some parts of the country now have access to electricity for just a few hours a day. New generators aim to help supply residents with power and hot water. Tetiana Kukurika has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
As the Caribbean sees its first Category 5 hurricane of the year, scientists warn that extreme weather is here to stay due to climate change. Aru Pande reports from Washington, where U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced new climate resilience measures. Kim Lewis contributed to this report.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks out against Monday’s Supreme Court decision giving former presidents immunity from prosecution for actions falling within their official job duties. The ruling doesn’t dismiss former President Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case, but does delay it. Dora Mekouar reports.
Britain is set to hold a general election on Thursday, July 4, with polls suggesting the country is likely to elect a new leader. How might that change Britain’s stance on key issues like Russia’s war on Ukraine? Henry Ridgwell has more from London.
The Western U.S. state of Colorado is a popular destination for international students. Colorado State University in Fort Collins is one of the state’s largest. Svitlana Prystynska takes a look at what draws so many students from other countries. Videographer: Volodymyr Petruniv
Just south of the Florida mainland lies a string of islands called the Florida Keys. The southernmost tip is Key West. Its location makes it a natural first stop — and eventual home — for migrants, especially those fleeing Haiti and Cuba. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti takes a look at who’s settling there and how it’s changing the look and feel of Key West. VOA footage and video editing by Mary Cieslak.
UCLA molecular bioengineer Mireille Kamariza has developed a new tuberculosis test that tackles shortcomings of existing TB diagnostics. VOA’s Genia Dulot reports for this week’s episode of LogOn.
The U.S. government's representative to the Minerals Security Partnership, an alliance of mostly Western countries that aims to speed the development of energy mineral supply chains, said last month that a Chinese company was using "predatory" tactics to hold down the price of cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Henry Wilkins looks at what this means for Africa.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed Monday that President Joe Biden's proposal to end the Israel-Hamas conflict is still achievable. Blinken also underlined the importance of postwar plans to rebuild Gaza. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
France’s far-right has never been closer to power after winning the first round of snap legislative elections Sunday. It’s a stunning result that could see the far-right taking control of the government — and a far-right prime minister ahead of the Paris Olympics — if it wins big in the second round of voting July 7. The left and center are now calling for an alliance against extremism in one of Europe’s largest countries. Lisa Bryant reports from Paris.
Recent crackdowns have scared many protesters off the streets in Syria’s last rebel-held stronghold. But some rallies continue, with locals demanding economic relief and the release of political prisoners in what officials call Syria’s “forgotten” city of Idlib. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Istanbul. Our journalists in Syria declined to be named for security reasons.
Panama’s pollera is the country’s beautiful, elaborate and very expensive national dress, and one of the most recognized Latin American traditional costumes. But production of the gorgeous garment faces an uncertain future. Oscar Sulbarán explains why in this story narrated by Veronica Villafañe. (Camera: Oscar Sulbarán; Produced by: Veronica Villafañe)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says illegal wildlife trafficking generates about 23 billion dollars a year. Angelina Bagdasaryan has more on a new exhibit that opened in Los Angeles trying to shed some light on the practice, in this story narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian.
Washington, D.C., home to the world's largest collection of William Shakespeare's works, has unveiled a treasure trove that most have never seen. The Folger Shakespeare Library reopened its doors after a four-year long renovation, revealing the most valuable part of its collection to the public for the first time. Maxim Adams visited the library.
After fleeing conflict in Somalia, Mohamed Mataan overcame many challenges growing up in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp. Today, he is helping young refugees learn digital skills that could lead to a brighter future. VOA reporter Ahmed Hussein met Mataan in the Dagahaley section of Dadaab and has this story.
The United States continues pushing for an Israel-Hamas peace plan involving regional intermediaries Egypt and Qatar. Meanwhile, both Israel and Hamas say there’s been no progress as fighting in Gaza intensifies. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Despite the war, schools across Ukraine are celebrating the end of the academic year. Some of them have a military air to them. About 7,000 Ukrainian teenagers are studying in more than 20 military academies around the country. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Videographer: Yuriy Dankevych.
Many Afghans are applying for resettlement in the U.S., including Nizakat Parsa. The journalist and his family embarked on a three-month journey through the Americas in search of freedom and security. From California, Fahim Sediqi reports, narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff. Camera: Fahim Sediqi .
This week the United States and 28 partner nations began the world’s largest naval war exercise off the shores of Hawaii. Known as Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, analysts say this year’s exercise gives partners a chance to work together while sending a strong deterrence message to China. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
In Kenya, where same-sex relations constitute a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison, the only option for the LGBTQ+ community to meet is through dating apps and social media. But now, those Kenyans say, the platforms are being used to trap victims in a web of blackmail, extortion and physical and sexual assault. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Amos Wangwa.
Since the Israel-Hamas war started, Israel has arrested about 15,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians say detention conditions have worsened and many detainees are tortured. Israel says it abides by international law. Linda Gradstein reports from the West Bank city of Ramallah. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
In Frederick, Maryland, when Tony Peterson got himself off the streets, he wanted to help others conquer their homelessness as well. He began by asking the homeless people he encountered what they needed, and the answer was simple but deeply personal. Arzouma Kompaore reports.
Nigeria is one of the world’s leading producers of ginger, but a massive outbreak of fungal disease last year caused millions of dollars of damage. The Nigerian government has launched an emergency recovery intervention to help ginger farmers. Timothy Obiezu reports from Kaduna.
Two NASA astronauts are stranded in space with no return date set. Plus, a new climate satellite launches into orbit, and a human-made creepy crawler looks to explore Mars. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
Cambodian rapper VannDa was featured at a California festival of Asian music and culture called Sabaidee Fest. VOA’s Malis Tum and Chetra Chap report on this young rapper who’s shining a spotlight on Cambodian music, culture and history. Chetra Chap narrates.
In Washington, the garden of former President Woodrow Wilson’s historic home is being reimagined to accommodate a changing climate. VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports. Camera: Adam Greenbaum.
A U.N.-led conference of international envoys on Afghanistan is set to begin in Doha, Qatar, on June 30. To get the Taliban to participate, the U.N. decided not to have women and rights activists at the table, angering many. VOA Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports.
A wrongfully detained journalist in Russia faces espionage charges in a closed-door trial. In Ecuador, an anchor is held at gunpoint live on air. Plus, how AI could impact the upcoming American election. This week on the Inside Story: A Free Press Matter.
Javelin anti-tank missile systems are part of a new $275 million aid package the U.S. is sending to Ukraine. Since 2022, the Javelin has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russia’s aggression. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. VOA footage and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Fifty-eight percent of Ukrainian businesses say their main issue is a labor shortage. That is the result of research the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy published this June. Recruiters confirm that this is the biggest crisis in the labor market ever. What are the main reasons, and are there any solutions? Lesia Bakalets found out. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets
Residents of a town north of Nairobi are dealing with a surge in hyena attacks. In the past four months, the wild animals have killed three people, including a 10-year-old boy. The rise in human-wildlife conflict has been blamed primarily on humans encroaching on wildlife habitats. But residents of Juja blame improper disposal of livestock, among other factors. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
An annual U.S. government report has sounded an alarm about rising bigotry worldwide against both Jews and Muslims amid the war in Gaza. It also has found that religious freedom is under assault globally and offers rare criticism of the U.S. ally India. VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrived in his home country of Australia a free man Wednesday – after agreeing to a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors over espionage charges. The deal ends an extraordinary 14-year legal odyssey. Supporters of Assange welcomed his release but say the prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Severe shortages of water have affected millions of people in the Indian capital, New Delhi, which has coped with a searing heat wave in recent weeks. It is one of several Indian cities that are running low on water. From New Delhi, Anjana Pasricha reports, experts are calling for better water management practices in the country to manage a scarce resource.
As Tehran ramps up attacks on the diaspora news outlet Iran International, lawyers are working with U.S. officials to push back. From Washington, VOA’s Liam Scott has the story. Videographer: Adam Greenbaum.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with U.S Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington on Tuesday, a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Gallant against allowing the conflict with Hamas in Gaza to expand. Katherine Gypson reports. Kim Lewis contributed to the report.
Campaigners in Georgia are seeking to highlight past atrocities committed by invading Russian troops and allied militias during the early 1990s, which they say should have acted as a warning of the dangers posed by Russia, long before Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Henry Ridgwell reports from Tbilisi.
An underwater drone is using artificial intelligence to help survey the Great Barrier Reef as a widespread mass coral bleaching unfolds across the world's most extensive reef ecosystem. Deana Mitchell has our story in this week’s episode of LogOn.
As in many countries, job seekers in Ukraine who are in their 50s and 60s have a harder time than younger workers. One organization is trying to change that by taking advantage of Ukraine’s wartime labor shortage. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. VOA footage by Vladyslav Smilianets.
TV personality Rachael Ray is a U.S.-based chef, author and celebrity. But Ukrainians know her better thanks to her charity work to help the war-torn country. Omelyan Oshchudlyak reports. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych.
The World Health Organization says more farmers in Malawi have begun to benefit from shifting away from tobacco cultivation, just months after the country ratified a treaty that aims to address public health risks associated with tobacco. However, some farmers say there are challenges due to a lack of markets for their crops. Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre.
Israel’s defense minister visits Washington this week for talks on the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, international aid groups scramble to find survivors of recent Israeli strikes in the enclave, describing the scale of the carnage as “unprecedented.” VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
Georgians are preparing for elections this year amid fears in the West that the government is straying from the country’s ambition to join the European Union. The nation appears to be caught in a struggle to reconcile its turbulent past with its West-aligned future. Henry Ridgwell reports.
After being held up at gunpoint live on air as violence swept Ecuador, journalist Jose Luis Calderon needed to find trauma support and safety. Now the journalist is seeking asylum in Miami. For VOA News, Cristina Caicedo Smit reports.
Going into a third year of war, life without clean water has become routine for nearly half a million residents of Ukraine’s frontline city of Mykolaiv. At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian forces destroyed the water distribution system. As Lesia Bakalets reports, the city has been looking for ways to restore it since then. Video: Vladyslav Smilianets
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, U.S. humanitarian group Project HOPE has provided aid to Ukrainian health clinics and residents of the country’s frontline towns and villages. Yaroslava Movchan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Dmytro Hlushko.
The Netherlands is investing more than 420 million dollars to build Swedish-designed combat vehicles for Ukraine. The Dutch expect to deliver the tanks by 2026, according to Defense News, to add to those already proving effective on the front lines. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Cameras and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
June 20th marked the start of the summer solstice, a moment that draws thousands of people from around the world to the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Mexico, to see a phenomenon that appears each year - a sun shadow of a serpent descending from top of the site’s main period. What many visitors don’t know is that much of the modern understanding of the ancient Mayans is rooted in the work of a Ukrainian-born academic from the Soviet era. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Olga Pavlova in Moscow. Camera: Ricardo Marquina Montanana and Luis Ramirez
The United Nations estimates as many as 6.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia’s invasion in 2022. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh explores the story of one Ukrainian teenager seeking safety in music in Chicago.
Our correspondent Kane Farabaugh travels to Indiana University to report on the depth of the U.S.-China economic competition. Both countries are vying for global dominance. This week on The Inside Story: Competing with China.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the culling of street dogs is provoking outrage that analysts say is crossing political lines across the country. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the proposal is resurrecting dark memories of Turkey’s past.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: With opportunities for journalists limited since the Taliban’s return to power, Farogh Tarin and her family left Afghanistan in pursuit of a better life. Now in Paris, France, the journalist wants to be a voice for those silenced in her home country.
In Peshawar, Pakistan, former schoolteacher Zarghona Hamidi is teaching other young Afghan refugee women like her how to make fashion jewelry so they can help support their families. Muska Safi has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.Camera: Muska Safi
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is marking World Refugee Day in Sudan and South Sudan, where he has been traveling this week, highlighting the situation of millions of people displaced by war. VOA United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer spoke to him from New York.
A Chinese consortium last month was awarded the contract to develop a deep-sea megaport on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. But critics say the Georgian government is putting the country’s economy and democracy at risk by turning away from Western partners toward China. Henry Ridgwell reports from Tbilisi.
Aid groups say crises in Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel, and other places are receiving a lot less funding that they need to handle the challenges they face. Earlier this month, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) said "the utter neglect of displaced people has become the new normal." Henry Wilkins reports on what refugees and non-profit groups think about current funding levels.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un upgraded their countries’ relationship as they met Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both men signed a treaty they say contains a mutual defense clause. The developments are being criticized by the U.S. and its allies, who say the relationship is a threat to global peace. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo in Seoul, South Korea. Contributor: Kim Lewis
June 19th is known as Juneteenth, a U.S. holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the former Confederate states of the American Civil War. In observance of the day, international collaborators gathered in California to connect history with the future using an augmented reality app. Matt Dibble has our story from Oakland.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that his administration would offer protections to some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. He also marked the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides protection for young undocumented immigrants to the U.S. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
The war in Ukraine is bringing what promises to be lasting changes in the role of women in the workplace. Lesia Bakalets traveled to Ukraine's Mykolaiv region to hear from women training to drive tractors, a job that until recently was the exclusive realm of men. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
U.S. negotiator Amos Hochstein is back in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah seem to be on the brink of all-out war. A war would be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon, but a cease-fire seems tied to the fighting in Gaza. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
In March 2024, the Russian government branded the Institute of International Education, which grants Fulbright scholarships, as an “undesirable” organization, banning it from operating in the country and making association with it potentially illegal. Now, Russian Fulbright scholars who are currently abroad could face repercussions when they return home. Maxim Adams has the story.
California researchers are working to make self-driving cars safer by letting them see around corners. Matt Dibble has our story in this week’s episode of LogOn.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States. In Los Angeles, celebrations include a festival and parade that are among the world’s largest LGBTQ+ events. VOA’s Genia Dulot talked to an immigrant couple about their lives in the United States and their struggle for acceptance back home.
U.S. President Joe Biden hosted NATO’s chief on Monday, less than a month before the newly enlarged security alliance converges in Washington for its annual summit. At the White House, the two leaders spoke of how they will “ensure predictable support to Ukraine for the long haul.” VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
The European Union granted official candidate status to Georgia last year, but analysts say that led by the country's richest man, the government has turned toward Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Critics warn that Georgia's democratic future is at stake in October's elections. Henry Ridgwell reports from Tbilisi.
In Gaza, families say no matter how many times they run, they cannot find safety. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Istanbul with Nedal Hamdouna, Amjed Tantesh and Enas Tantesh in Khan Younis, Gaza.
One of the chief obstacles for Sudanese refugees trying to build new lives in Uganda is the language barrier. Some of the estimated 40,000 people who arrived in recent months had limited English skills but not enough to hold jobs or move easily through Ugandan society. A women’s empowerment group in central Uganda is trying to change that. Halima Athumani and Mukasa Francis report from Mukono district
Protests in Turkey are growing over Azerbaijani oil deliveries to Israel. Azerbaijani oil exports have continued to pass through a Turkish port despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent announcement of a trade embargo against Israel because of its offensive in Gaza. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Nearly 6.5 million – that is the number of Ukrainian refugees the United Nations counts in the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to the world body's latest report, most of them hope to return home one day. Lesia Bakalets talked to Ukrainians who have already done so. VOA footage by Vladyslav Smilianets.
Nearly 80 of the countries represented at the Ukraine peace summit agreed that territorial integrity and the principles of international law and the U.N. charter should be the basis for peace talks to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. Eastern Europe bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze has the story from Switzerland. VOA footage and editing by Daniil Batushchak.
In Namibia, German charity Skate-Aid has built a skate park on the National Institute for Special Education campus. Here, young learners with disabilities can practice a sport Skate-Aid says encourages empowerment, socializing and having fun. Vitalio Angula reports from Windhoek, Namibia.
Nigeria is grappling with the worst cost of living crisis in decades. With 31 million Nigerians projected by the U.N. to face acute hunger this year, a Lagos food bank has begun partnering with farmers to collect surplus produce. The aim is to make sure it ends up on families' tables instead of going to waste. Timothy Obiezu reports from Lagos.
Israel’s military announced a “tactical pause” Sunday in daytime fighting around a critical aid route in Gaza. The plan falls short of a total cease-fire outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up meetings in Italy with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies. The leaders focused on threats they say China poses to the global economy and artificial intelligence ethics championed by Pope Francis. Patsy Widakuswara reports from Brindisi, Italy.
Leaders from nearly 90 countries will gather in Switzerland this weekend to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The Swiss and Ukrainian governments organized the summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. VOA's Myroslava Gongadze reports. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
U.S. and NATO leaders in Brussels are at odds over the extent to which Ukrainians can use Western-provided weapons to hit military targets inside Russian territory. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has more.
The lack of laws governing digital currencies has slowed their expansion in the United States. Cryptocurrency investors tell VOA’s Deana Mitchell they are encouraged that the U.S. House of Representatives is considering a new legal framework for electronic money.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea – the latest sign of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. The visit could involve more than just handshakes, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea
US President Joe Biden and leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are meeting in Italy, underscoring support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion and the need for a cease-fire in Gaza. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara is traveling with the president and brings this report from Borgo Egnazia, the G7 summit venue.
New studies examine the effects of spaceflight on amateur astronauts. Plus, a VIP tour of Boeing’s Starliner capsule, and we remember a spaceflight pioneer. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
A riveting exploration of Taiwan's uncertain political landscape. With a new president navigating a deeply troubled relationship with China, the stakes have never been higher. This week on The Inside Story: The Future of Taiwan.
Opponents of the so-called “foreign agent” law that came into effect in Georgia this month say they will not comply with the law’s requirements. The opponents say the measure - which requires organizations that get 20% or more of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents - reflects similar laws in Russia and is aimed at silencing critics ahead of elections later this year. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Tbilisi, organizations that refuse to comply could face heavy financial penalties.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to China marks the latest effort by Ankara to establish itself at the center of a strategic trade route between Europe and China. But analysts say Beijing's suspicions over Ankara's support of Chinese Uyghur dissidents remain an obstacle. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Artists and other creators say their works have been used to build the multibillion-dollar generative AI industry without any compensation for them. Matt Dibble reports on a proposed U.S. law that would force AI companies to reveal their sources.
A flotilla of Russian warships has arrived in Cuban waters to carry out joint maneuvers with Cuban armed forces, a visit that Moscow and Havana assure does not represent a threat to the region. Western governments are watching closely. Jonathan Spier narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina.
A public-private partnership in Kenya provides female students with free sanitary napkins dispensed from converted ATMs at school. The goal is to provide pads to young women from poor families so they don't miss school because they are menstruating. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi, Kenya.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, in recent weeks to protest a new ‘foreign agent’ law, which critics have compared to similar legislation in Russia. The law is now in force – but its opponents have vowed to continue their demonstrations until crucial elections scheduled for later this year. Henry Ridgwell reports from Tbilisi.
Inter-Korean relations have sunk to their lowest level in years as both countries intensify cross-border psychological warfare. The developments began with North Korea sending waste-filled balloons into the South. VOA’s William Gallo has more details from near the Korean border.
Before Russia’s invasion, Ukraine was an international surrogacy hub. Relatively low cost and a favorable legal framework led to thousands of babies born every year thanks to Ukrainian surrogate mothers, many of them for overseas parents. Despite the war and the risks, hopeful foreigners keep coming to Ukraine. Mariia Prus has the story.
Finland’s Lenin Museum, the “most hated" in the country according to its director, is to close its doors at the end of the year for rebranding, as Finland’s historically good relations with Russia sour. Henry Wilkins visited the museum in the Finnish city of Tampere and has that story.
Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is set to be sworn in as the country’s next president in October, after having resoundingly won elections in February. VOA’s Virginia Gunawan reports on what this means for U.S. relations with Southeast Asia’s largest country. Ahadian Utama, Hafizh Sahadeva contributed to this report
The United States says it is providing additional humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the surrounding region in response to dire humanitarian conditions. The aid package came hours before Hamas responded to a U.N. cease-fire resolution. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has more. (Produced by: Bakhtiyar Zamanov)
At the Group of Seven summit this week, U.S. President Joe Biden will seek agreement on using interest from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s war effort. He will also push for unity in tackling global challenges such as infrastructure funding, artificial intelligence, and Chinese overcapacity in green technologies. However, as White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports, a shift right in the European political landscape could complicate his plans.
Russia says it is holding more than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war. For many of those released, liberation is the start of a painful process of recovery. From Kyiv, Lesia Bakalets brings the story of one former prisoner of war. Videographer: Vladyslav Smilianets
Traditional cooking fuels and technologies are among the major sources of household air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa, with severe health consequences for the population, according to the World Bank. Now, an initiative to promote climate-friendly cooking in the region is introducing stoves that use less charcoal and firewood to improve air quality. Juma Majanga reports from Nakuru, Kenya
A drone equipped with a painting hose is being deployed against stubborn graffiti in hard-to-reach areas. Natasha Mozgovaya has more in this week’s episode of LogOn.
The destruction of the Kakhovka dam a year ago [June 2023] in southern Ukraine put the water supply of hundreds of thousands of people at risk, including residents of Kushuhum in the Zaporizhzhia region. With the region now in Ukrainian hands, Kushuhum officials say people are returning to their homes and making water issues worse. Eva Myronova has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Oleksadnr Oliynyk
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged Hamas to accept a cease-fire in Cairo, part of growing international pressure to end the eight-month-old conflict with Israel. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
The Israel-Hamas war protests have led to rising conflicts between police and the press throughout the United States. Both police and reporters go to protests with jobs to do. But journalists say police often prevent them from doing theirs. Robin Guess reports.
Since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has carried out a campaign of repression against local and foreign journalists including via intimidation, threats, expulsions and arrests. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina.
A Chinese aircraft manufacturer is actively marketing its commercial jet to the international market, eventually hoping to compete with giants like Boeing and Airbus. But VOA’s Ahadian Utama reports that Beijing faces an uphill battle for Asian skies. Indra Yoga contributed to this report.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading a coalition government as he begins a third term in office. His dependence on regional allies has raised questions about how effectively he will be able to pursue the transformational changes he promised ahead of the elections. From New Delhi, Anjana Pasricha has a report.
In Sudan's North Darfur state, displaced people and doctors say the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are attacking hospitals and camps in the capital, El Fasher. Meanwhile, nonprofit groups say the world is paying little attention as a city that was supposed to be a haven for those forced out of their homes by war is being torn apart. Henry Wilkins has the story.
Ugandan film producer Allan Manzi is an award-winning filmmaker known for his work on a Ugandan local series called “Juniors Drama Club.” VOA’s Jackson Mvungani spoke with him about the state of the Ugandan film industry. Videographer: Mugue Davis Rwakaringi.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, the West responded, sending military weaponry and aid to the embattled nation. But as the war drags on, there is also a need for doctors. One nonprofit is sending American surgeons to Ukraine, and Ukrainian surgeons to train in the United States. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Pavlo Terekhov.
The number of adults in the United States identifying as something other than heterosexual is holding steady at about 7.2%, and the two presidential candidates are taking note. VOA senior Washington correspondent Carolyn Presutti tells us how they are trying to attract that population.
Israel freed four hostages over the weekend in a raid on a refugee camp in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said Israeli forces killed at least 274 Palestinians in the operation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to return to the region this week in another push for a cease-fire. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
The United States cricket team beat Pakistan — a former world champion — on Thursday, achieving one of the biggest upsets in T20 Cricket World Cup history. This year’s tournament is being hosted by the United States and the West Indies. Saqib Ul Islam has more from the games in Dallas, Texas.
President Joe Biden stressed the need for transatlantic unity during his speech at the monument overlooking the beach where, 80 years ago, Allied troops fought a battle that delivered a decisive blow to Nazi aggression. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell reports from Pointe du Hoc, France.
Paul Hughes, a former hockey coach from Canada, arrived in Kharkiv in March 2022. In the two years since, he and other volunteers — some local, some foreign — have been helping Ukrainians internally displaced by the war survive. Anna Kosstutschenko has his story. Videographer: Pavel Suhodolskiy.
While marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, during World War II, U.S. President Joe Biden says global challenges are still present and urged unity in resisting Russian aggression today. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Omaha Beach, Normandy.
Zimbabwe is facing long hours of power cuts due to its dilapidated infrastructure and the impact of recurring droughts on hydropower. To help, the United Nations Development Program is installing solar panels on government-owned health facilities. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Bulawayo.
As world leaders and aging veterans gathered Thursday for D-Day ceremonies on the beaches of Normandy, France, towns across the region held their own celebrations, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the 1944 Allied landings. Lisa Bryant reports from the Normandy town of Carentan-les-Marais.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump faces the prospect of prison time after a New York jury convicted him of falsifying business records. The legal process casts uncertainty on his campaign and future election chances. Tina Trinh reports from New York.
A small number of U.S. World War II veterans, all in their late 90s and early 100s, returned to Normandy, France, 80 years after the largest invasion in history. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports.
Citizens of 27 European Union countries are choosing new representatives starting Thursday. The voting could shape the state of democracy within the EU and decide the bloc's global role, especially in Ukraine. Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
We cover the historic trial of former President, Donald Trump, found guilty of 34 counts in a NY court. Plus, Jury selection begins in the federal gun charge case against Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. Global Conflicts updates on Israel’s war on Hamas and the international effort to arm Ukraine against Russia. This week on the Inside Story: U.S. Justice and Global Conflicts.
A U.S.-backed Kurdish group says it has postponed controversial elections in northern Syria in the face of warnings from Ankara that the poll would be a step toward independence. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Thursday marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, in Normandy by troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other countries during World War II. The objective was to help liberate Western Europe from German occupation.
The shooting attack against Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister last month has highlighted divisions in Central Europe, a region that’s become especially polarized in the wake of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Jon Spier narrates this story from Europe reporter Ricardo Marquina. (Camera: Ricardo Marquina)
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, high school students who identify as Pacific Islanders have one of the highest dropout rates in the United States. But an immigrant teacher in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is aiming to change all that. VOA’s Jessica Stone has her story. Camera: Riya Nathrani
The war in Ukraine has left much of the population traumatized in some way. Children can have a rough time. That’s why US pediatrician and activist Irwin Redlener founded Ukraine Children’s Action Project – designed to get Ukrainian children access to health care. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. (Camera: Pavlo Terekhov )
While most Chinatowns in cities around the world either used to be or are still places where many people of Chinese descent live or shop, that is not the case for a Chinatown in Kabul, Afghanistan. VOA’s Afghan service has more on what can be found in Kabul’s Chinatown. The story is narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Contributors: Roshan Noorzai, Noshaba Ashna
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in the southern African nation of Eswatini, while globally it's the fourth most common. Despite this, a vaccination program in Eswatini that aims to prevent cervical cancer is meeting resistance. Nokukhanya Musi reports from Manzini, Eswatini.
Many Israeli and Palestinian children are suffering from trauma because of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing eight months of war between the two sides. Therapists in both communities say the emotional scars could linger for years. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Turkey is supplying weapons to Ukraine as Kyiv works to resolve its ammunition shortage. A Turkish weapons manufacturer is teaming with the U.S. to open a munitions factory, while another Turkish firm is set to open a drone factory in Ukraine. From Istanbul, Dorian Jones reports.
U.S. lawmakers are divided on President Joe Biden’s executive order imposing new limits on asylum seekers at U.S. borders. As VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, the debate over border security remains a tough issue ahead of general elections in November.
South Africa has seen several waves of immigration from China, with early generations of migrants fleeing extreme poverty at home and newer arrivals seeking business opportunities. Kate Bartlett has the story about Chinese South Africans who have established businesses Johannesburg’s old and new Chinatowns.
The Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine collapsed on June 6, 2023, flooding hundreds of square kilometers and damaging homes, infrastructure and the environment. Ukraine blames Russian forces, which occupied the dam. Russia denies the accusation. A year later, the impact of the collapse is ongoing. Lesia Bakalets has the story. Videographer: Vladyslav Smilianets
US President Joe Biden is in France to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landing and to underscore the need for a strong transatlantic alliance in the face of Russian aggression. He’ll also take part in a formal state visit hosted by France’s president, and will meet face-to-face with Ukraine’s president, who has been invited to (somber ceremonies marking this decisive battle that led to the end of the World War II. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Paris. Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report
The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday said it could not agree to a peace deal without a clear Israeli position on a permanent cease-fire and complete withdrawal from Gaza. The decision followed Israeli leaders’ pledge to continue military operations until Hamas is destroyed, despite a cease-fire proposal announced by President Joe Biden days earlier. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
A report released Tuesday says hate and extremism in the United States rose in 2023, with record numbers of white nationalists and anti-LGBTQ groups trying to undermine the country’s inclusive democracy. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias breaks down the researchers’ findings and the implications for the November presidential election.
On May 31, U.S. troops concluded first joint exercises practicing the reinforcement of Northern Finland in case of an attack from Russia. Both Norway and Finland have recently signed new defense pacts with the U.S. military giving access to bases in the far north of their territories. In this report for VOA, Henry Wilkins speaks to Finland's minister of defense and U.S. officers about what this means for the region.
This week marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy demonstrations in China, which ended in bloodshed. VOA was a major source of information and news at the time for the Chinese. VOA Mandarin’s Xiao Yu has the story, narrated by Elizabeth Lee. Videographer: Zhang Zhen, Ning Lu
Recent violence between soldiers and migrants at the Polish-Belarusian border has prompted the Polish government to increase security and reintroduce a 200-meter buffer zone this week. Poland sees the latest migrant influx from Belarus as a hybrid warfare tactic. VOA Eastern Europe Bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze visited the region and has this report. VOA footage by Daniil Batushchak.
The African National Congress failed to win an outright majority in South Africa’s recent election. This means the ANC for the first time will need to form a coalition to govern. What will it look like, and how will it affect the country's policies internally and globally? VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo reports. VOA footage by Zaheer Cassim.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in China this week. Islamabad is hoping to accelerate the multibillion-dollar transportation network known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. But Beijing is deeply concerned about the safety of its workers. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports from Islamabad. Videographer: Wajid Asad; Video Editor: Malik Waqar Ahmed
The U.S. military says large groups of drones and ground robots can be managed by a single person without added stress to the operator. In this week’s episode of LogOn, VOA’s Julie Taboh reports the technologies may be beneficial for civilian uses, too. Videographer and video editor: Adam Greenbaum
Chinatowns are recognizable all over the world, either by their big red gates or streets lined with Chinese restaurants and stores. In Nairobi, Kenya, there are several Chinatowns of different sizes scattered around the city. VOA Nairobi bureau chief, Mariama Diallo took a stroll in one of them and has this story. Camera and edit: Amos Wangwa
Mexico has elected its first woman president and the first with a Jewish background in the nation’s history. Experts say Claudia Sheinbaum will face a series of major challenges when she becomes the chief of Mexico, a top U.S. ally. VOA’s Celia Mendoza reports from the capital, Mexico City. (Camera and Produced by: Miguel Angel Boizo)
Elections in the United States are some of the most expensive in the world, with campaign spending far outpacing that in most countries. The 2020 U.S. presidential and congressional races cost $16.4 billion and experts say the cost of the 2024 races are likely to be much higher.
U.S. citizens elect a president and a Congress to steer the country. But presidents have certain tools enabling them to alter policies on their own. One that’s gotten a lot of recent attention is the executive order.
Much of stand-up comedy in the United States is rooted in the country’s freedoms of speech. In Southern California, that attracts immigrant comedians eager to express their opinions and make people laugh. Genia Dulot reports.
The debate over ethics in the U.S. Supreme Court renewed this week as congressional Democrats called on conservative Associate Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself from two cases relating to the 2020 election. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
Donald Trump returns to political campaigning this week as the first convicted felon to run for U.S. president as a major-party candidate. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at how voters are reacting to the verdict on the campaign trail.
In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, many residents of Chinese descent still live and work in the city's Chinatown, as they have for hundreds of years. It’s an area that continues to evolve as traditional shops compete with modern chains. VOA's Ahadian Utama reports. (Camera: Ahadian Utama, Indra Yoga; Produced by: Ahadian Utama,)
Minibus taxis are everywhere in South Africa, and all of them run on gasoline. But engineers at one university are hoping to change that as they are getting better-than-expected results from their all-electric minibus taxi. Vicky Stark has the story from Cape Town, South Africa.
The island city state of Singapore has a majority-ethnic Chinese population. So why would the Southeast Asian nation have a Chinatown? Adam Hancock went to this historic district to find out. Camera: Lee Beng Seng.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in Sunday on the possibility of being sentenced to jail next month after his conviction for falsifying business records. The ‘guilty’ verdict is already being used by both the Trump and Biden campaigns to fire up their respective supporters. But swaying undecided voters will be trickier, analysts say. Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
U.S. and Chinese defense officials offered competing visions for Asia, even as they agreed to keep channels open during the three-day? Shangri-La security summit that wrapped up Sunday in Singapore, as VOA’s William Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea. (Camera: William Gallo)
London’s Chinatown is at the beating heart of the capital’s entertainment district – with unique flavors that link back to Britain’s colonial history, as Henry Ridgwell reports
As Israeli forces advanced deeper into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, US President Joe Biden declared Hamas had lost its ability to carry out a major terrorist attack on Israel, and he endorsed what he said was the latest Israeli offer of a cease-fire deal. VOA's White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump says the Biden administration engineered his criminal convictions in New York to gain an advantage in this November’s election. President Joe Biden says the justice system should be respected. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
A new Netflix series has turned attention to a historic red-light district in Pakistan. Set in Lahore, "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" is one of the most popular non-English series on the streaming platform. But as VOA's Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports, not everyone is happy with the attention. Videographer: Wajid Asad; video editor: Malik Waqar Ahmed.
The city of Sumy, Ukraine, is just 32 kilometers from the Russian border. Sumy and the region have been shelled more times in the first five months of 2024 than during all of last year, yet some villages on the Russian border still stand. Olena Adamenko visited the city for this story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Oleh Demianenko; Video editor: Mykhailo Zaika
It’s an emergence that’s been more than a decade in the making. Trillions of cicadas that have burrowed underground for 13 or 17 years are now emerging in parts of the Midwestern and Southern United States. And, VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports, they are ready to mate.
Lima’s Chinatown was founded by Chinese migrants who arrived in Peru as indentured laborers. Back then, it was a meeting place for fellow countrymen, but today, it’s a vibrant commercial hub intertwined with Peruvian society. Adriana Núñez Rabascall has the story from Lima.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukrainian professional tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky immediately volunteered to fight for his home country. Anna Kosstutschenko has his story. Camera and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, in person for the first time Friday on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has the details.
Immigration is one of the most important issues in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. In Washington, there is a restaurant advocating for immigration reform while fostering community and driving social change through food. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.Camera: Saqib Ul Islam
Mexico will make history on June 2nd, when voters elect a woman as its new leader in a process in which thousands of local and state positions are up for grabs. VOA’s Celia Mendoza reports from Mexico City.Camera: Miguel Angel Boizo
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is guilty of falsifying financial records to hide a payment to an adult film star to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. Tina Trinh reports from New York.
Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, leading to widespread hardship and anger. Some Nigerians are demanding a reversal of government policies one year after authorities embarked on bold but unpopular economic reforms. President Bola Tinubu has so far refused to change course, insisting his reforms will improve Nigeria's ailing economy. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.Camera: Timothy Obiezu
The White House puts Africa front and center as President Biden welcomes Kenyan President William Ruto, celebrating six decades of partnership. This week on Inside Story: Biden’s Africa Outreach.
In June, the United States and the West Indies are co-hosting the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite its overseas popularity, cricket remains largely unknown in America. VOA’s Muhammad Atif has more.
Right wing, populist parties are expected to surge in three-day elections starting June 6th across the European Union for the bloc’s parliament — capitalizing on voter anger and distrust of mainstream parties. Analysts predict the fallout could influence EU-wide policies like the environment, the economy, immigration and foreign affairs, including potentially waning support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Paris correspondent Lisa Bryant reports.
US presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump have very different views on the production of fossil fuels and the need to transition to clean energy to fight climate change. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at where each candidate stands and the agendas they’ll champion if re-elected.
The Midwestern U.S. city of Detroit is known as the home of American automakers. What's less known are the contributions of the Chinese residents in the city's history. Some of them did the laundry of the autoworkers and others even cooked up what's become a local favorite. VOA’s Chris Casquejo has more on Detroit’s two Chinatowns and what happened to them. Videographer and video editor: Yu Chen
The artists from South Africa's Mzansi Gay Choir are known not just for their music, but also for their role in LGBTQI advocacy. Ihsaan Haffejee brings us this story from a rehearsal studio in Johannesburg, where the musicians gather for a practice session.
In early May, the state of California announced the estimated opening of what will be the world’s largest bridge for animals. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, just outside of Los Angeles, will offer wildlife safe passage across a ten-lane highway. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Vazgen Varzhabetian.
The Rocky Mountain state of Colorado is spending $24 million this year to help schools adapt to an influx of immigrant students. Reporter Svitlana Prystynska visited a school in Denver to find out how educators and students are adjusting. Camera: Volodymyr Petruniv
After six years on the run, the former president of Spain’s Catalonia region may come home to govern after his party won a close second in regional elections. But an investigation into his alleged ties to the Kremlin may prevent his return. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Barcelona. Alfonso Beato contributed.
Survivors of radiation exposure in New Mexico are urging Congress to expand a soon-expiring law that compensates Americans who were exposed to radiation by federal nuclear tests. Gustavo Martínez Contreras has our story from Albuquerque. (Camera: Gustavo Martínez Contreras; Produced by: Bakhtiyar Zamanov)
Tensions between North Korea and China surfaced publicly this week for the first time in years. The apparent rift between the two allies emerged as North Korea’s attempt to launch a spy satellite interrupted a major diplomatic initiative by Beijing. VOA’s William Gallo has more from Seoul, South Korea. (Camera: William Gallo)
May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, a day when many health advocacy groups raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco. These groups have reason to celebrate: In most countries, tobacco use is declining. But not in Indonesia, where smoking rates are rising, according to the World Health Organization. Dave Grunebaum has the story.
Ukrainian officials say Russia’s invasion has turned thousands of Ukrainian children trapped in occupied territories into hostages, while others have been deported to Russia and forced into reeducation programs and adoption. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv on Ukraine’s efforts to bring them home. VOA footage by Vladyslav Smilianets.
Jurors are deliberating in a criminal case against U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump. He is charged with falsifying financial records to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. Campaigning continued outside the New York courthouse. VOA’s Scott Stearns reports. Camera: Michael Eckels.
Amid the ongoing Gaza war, Norway, Ireland and Spain have formally recognized the state of Palestine this week. As expected, Palestinians welcomed the move, while Israel sharply condemned it. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Time is the one of the most important factors in saving people who have been sexually trafficked. Swiftly relocating them away from harm is key to survival. VOA Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti has this exclusive story about a couple of American pilots and their secret missions to get victims to safety.
Turkey's longest-running peaceful protest entered its thousandth week in May. A group known as the Saturday Mothers holds a silent vigil each week, demanding justice for relatives who disappeared after being detained by security forces. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
On a visit to Moldova Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $135 million in aid to help the eastern European republic fight Russian disinformation and strengthen its energy resilience. Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Kharkiv, Ukraine, has been under sustained fire from Russia for nearly a month. Despite the civilian casualties and destruction of energy infrastructure, most residents are still there. Lesia Bakalets talked to some women about why they decided to stay.
South Africans voted Wednesday in elections being described as the most important in thirty years because the governing African National Congress could get under 50 percent of the vote for the first time and lose its absolute majority in parliament. Kate Bartlett spoke to voters in two very different areas of Johannesburg about why they felt it was important to turn out.
Investigators using satellite imagery to document the war in western Sudan's Darfur region say 72 villages were burned down in April, the most they have seen since the conflict began. Henry Wilkins talks with the people who do this research about how so-called open-source investigations could be crucial in holding those responsible for the violence to account.
Many people of Chinese descent are drawn to New York City for the jobs and universities. There are several so-called Chinatowns in the Big Apple. The newest one is in Long Island City, just a few subway stops away from Manhattan. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has the details on what many residents are describing as the younger, hipper Chinatown.
With five months until the November election and no diplomatic solution in sight for wars in Ukraine and Gaza, President Joe Biden, who in 2020 ran on a campaign to end "forever wars," is shifting voters’ attention away from American entanglements abroad by focusing on domestic priorities. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
The White House described an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah as “heartbreaking,” but it made no move to limit military assistance to Israel or shift its policy supporting the country's right to conduct operations in Gaza. Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Harassment, arrests, declining trust and economic constraints make the work of journalists in the United States tough. The country’s media are mostly free from interference, but the U.S. still dropped 10 points on the World Press Freedom Index in 2024. VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit and Michael Lipin have the story, as narrated by Caicedo Smit. Videographer: Keith Lane
Africa's Sahel has become the epicenter of global terrorism, prompting nations to intensify efforts to counter the violence through military training such as the Flintlock 2024 drills in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Analysts, however, say that addressing economic deficiencies in the region would be a more effective deterrent. Senanu Tord reports from Tamale, Ghana.
America’s oldest Chinatown sustains traditions even as members of the Chinese diaspora continue to spread out and evolve. Matt Dibble has the story from San Francisco, California.
Artificial intelligence image generators can mimic artists' styles, threatening their livelihood. In this edition of LogOn, Matt Dibble looks at how artists are fighting back, using tools designed to disrupt AI systems.
U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump are both campaigning for the support of Black voters. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at how the presidential campaigns are trying to build African American support.
In the city of Kupyansk in eastern Ukraine, a small coffee shop sits just 8 kilometers from the front lines. It opened last summer — the latest in a chain of coffee shops in the region. Despite the ongoing war, its owner says more are on the way. Anna Kosstutschenko met with him. VOA footage and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
The Chancay port, a Chinese-built megaport in Peru, could become the gateway for Asian trade to the region. But local residents and security analysts say the economic benefit comes at a price. Adriana Núñez Rabascall has the details. Video editing: Veronica Villafañe
Los Angeles' Chinatown has undergone many changes, as immigrants from mainland China join those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and other parts of Southeast Asia. As Mike O’Sullivan reports, the growing community has also expanded to the suburbs, where recent arrivals find much that is familiar. Mo Yu contributed.
Life expectancy in Europe has returned to the level it reached before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, while the U.S. is still trying to regain lost ground. Overall, new numbers show life expectancy has increased in most parts of the world, with eastern sub-Saharan Africa showing the biggest gains over the past three decades. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The African National Congress has been governing South Africa since 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president following the end of apartheid. But as voters get ready to go to the polls on May 29, the party known for its opposition to apartheid faces dissatisfaction from some citizens who feel the party has not delivered on its promises. VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo has this story.
Since the spring 2022, Dell Loy Hansen has spent over $70 million to build homes for internally displaced Ukrainians. The U.S. philanthropist says he has been to Ukraine four times and is just getting started. Anna Kosstutschenko met him in the Kyiv region and has more in this report.
Hamas launched rockets toward the Israeli city of Tel Aviv this weekend in what appears to be the first such long-range attack from Gaza since early this year. Israel claims to have shot down “a number” of the projectiles. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.
Former President Donald Trump faced sharp skepticism on his presidential bid when addressing Libertarians on Saturday. President Joe Biden’s weekend remarks focused on encouraging graduating cadets to “be the guardians of American democracy.” VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Some of the last surviving World War Two veterans gather in Normandy, France, next month to mark the 1944 allied landings that began the country’s liberation from Nazi German control. But another war on Europe’s doorstep — in Ukraine — casts a dark shadow on this 80th anniversary of D-Day. Lisa Bryant reports from the Normandy town of Carentan-les-Marais.
In the United States, community colleges traditionally give two-year associate’s degrees and certificates. That is changing as more of these colleges develop bachelor’s degree programs. The higher degree from these schools is making college more accessible and affordable nationally and internationally. Robin Guess reports. Camera: Roy Kim.
Indigenous fashion designers gathered in the American Southwest to celebrate couture and creativity at the first ever Native Fashion Week. Gustavo Martinez Contreras has our story from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
May 20 marked Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s fifth anniversary as Ukraine’s president. By law, the president serves five years, but elections have been postponed while the country remains under martial law. Katerina Besedina examines Zelenskyy’s challenging term so far. Anna Rice narrates. VOA footage by Elena Matusovky.
Women’s soccer in the U.S. has been on the rise, bringing more girls than ever into the fold. Thai American Madison Casteen embraced soccer at a young age and aims to be one of the few Asian Americans to break into the professional leagues. Warangkana Chomchuen has the story, narrated by Neetikarn Kamlangwan.
US President Joe Biden lavished Kenyan President William Ruto with more than just pomp and polish on his first state visit: On Thursday, Biden announced he would make the East African nation a major non-NATO ally – the first sub-Saharan nation to receive that status. The move signals the shifting of US security cooperation to East Africa right as US troops prepare to depart Niger. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Private land in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is being auctioned off by its owner, with strong interest from Chinese buyers, according to a lawyer responsible for the auction. Such a sale would likely cause geopolitical headaches for Norway and NATO because of Svalbard’s strategic location in the Arctic Ocean. Henry Wilkins has more.Camera: Henry Wilkins
The U.S. assertion this week that Russia has launched a satellite capable of inspecting and destroying other satellites prompted a denial from the Kremlin and concern from U.S. lawmakers. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam.
Sweden, NATO's newest member, this week announced a three-year plan to provide additional support for Ukraine totaling more than $7 billion. The move comes amid concerns about Russia’s growing aggression. Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
International investors have been lining up for South African nuclear energy technology this year. Two partnerships have been announced aimed at financing the manufacture of a new prototype, small-scale reactor developed in South Africa. One partner includes a collective of family farmers whose businesses are suffering from the country’s unreliable power grid. Marize de Klerk reports from South Africa’s capital, Pretoria.
Fine dining in space — if you can stomach the price tag. Plus, a new understanding of the sun’s magnetic field, and Europe’s newest astronauts get their mission assignments. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space
Turkey is watching closely to see who will succeed the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi after his recent death in a helicopter crash. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, relations between the two regional powers are at a pivotal moment.
Under the Biden administration, U.S. veterans have received more than $5.7 billion in expanded health care benefits. But former President Donald Trump argues that veterans were better off when he was in the White House. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at what the veteran population will likely need from the next president.
As floodwaters recede in southern Brazil, a tragic scenario is unfolding with more than a half-million people displaced, 160 people confirmed dead, and nearly 100 still missing. For VOA, Yan Boechat went to the scene and has this report from Rio Grande do Sul.Camera: Yan Boechat
As a new president takes office in Taiwan, the island’s residents have mixed views on how well the new administration will handle Taipei’s relationship with Beijing. VOA’s William Yang reports from Taipei. Camera: William Yang.
The announcement by the International Criminal Court prosecutor that he is seeking arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders on war crimes accusations has sparked outrage from both sides. Each says they resent the creation of a moral equivalence in the Gaza war. Ricki Rosen reports from Tel Aviv, Israel. Camera: Ricki Rosen
After international condemnation, Israel reversed its decision this week to cut The Associated Press’ live feed of Gaza. The action comes amid increasing challenges for journalists covering the Israel-Hamas war, say analysts. For VOA News, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
Three European nations announced Wednesday that they intend to officially recognize Palestinian statehood, prompting a furious response from Israel, which is at war with Hamas militants in Gaza. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The latest numbers show migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped. Illegal crossings usually increase in the spring, but officials say this April they fell by more than 6% compared with March. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.
Experts say that in Ukraine, there has been a heavy increase in cases of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems since Russia’s invasion in 2022, and it will likely have a long-term impact. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets has more.
For over four decades, Costa Rica's farmers markets have been promoting local agriculture, creating vital economic lifelines and fostering a sense of community. Donaldo Hernández explores their enduring appeal in this story narrated by Veronica Villafañe.
The White House will roll out the red carpet for the first African leader to be hosted for a state visit since 2008. Kenyan President William Ruto will be honored with a state dinner, the White House says. Also on the table are Nairobi’s aims to leverage Washington’s largesse and influence after Kenya offered to send a peacekeeping force to Haiti. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House. Larry Lazo contributed to the report.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers Tuesday the International Criminal Court’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endangers hopes for a cease-fire in Gaza. Katherine Gypson reports. Saqib Ui Islam contributed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China last week underlined the burgeoning economic and geopolitical ties between Moscow and Beijing, amid Russia’s war on Ukraine. But as Henry Ridgwell reports, analysts say China could seek to exploit its relationship with a weakened and isolated Russia.
Children across Africa are competing for a spot in the finals of the African Spelling Bee, which will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in December. We caught up with one hopeful speller at the recent South African regional finals. VOA’s Zaheer Cassim reports.
Middle-aged women often feel like they are not seen or heard in their roles as wives and mothers. In Southern California, a Korean dance group is out to change those perceptions. Genia Dulot has the story.
Historic floods swept through southern Brazil early this month, destroying everything in their path. The floods claimed over 150 lives and left more than 500,000 Brazilians displaced. Scientists attribute this unprecedented destruction to a confluence of weather conditions, all influenced by climate change. Yan Boechat reports.
A California startup says it can help de-carbonize industrial manufacturing by using batteries made of clay. Instead of storing electricity, these clay batteries store heat. Matt Dibble has more in this week’s episode of LogOn
The Biden administration last month announced $6.4 billion in direct funding to back South Korean tech giant Samsung’s new semiconductor cluster in central Texas. That means big changes for the town of Taylor. Deana Mitchell has our story
Guns have divided American voters, with nearly equal numbers taking opposite sides in the gun safety debate, according to Pew Research polling. U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump also have opposing views on guns and gun control. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
The deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash sparked reaction from world leaders Monday. The United States noted Raisi's troubling human rights record. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
The United States reassured Ukraine on Monday that it would continue providing Kyiv with support to counter the Russian offensive. But on the ground, analysts warn the humanitarian crisis is deepening. Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
In the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, a former U.S. National Guard soldier and a Georgian medic have been fighting alongside each other for over a year. Despite facing near-constant shelling and enduring multiple injuries, both remain committed to defending Ukraine as members of the International Legion. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. VOA footage and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
The U.S. government’s attempts to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from Britain on charges of espionage took another legal twist Monday, as judges ruled that he must be given the right to a full appeal against the order — based on freedom of speech. Henry Ridgwell has more from London.
Journalists living in exile in Kenya are finding support to continue working in their professions, thanks to a fellowship provided by media groups. From Nairobi, Victoria Amunga has more. Camera and video: Jimmy Makhulo
Almost half a million Ukrainian immigrants have moved to the U.S. since the start of Russia’s invasion, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Two of the biggest challenges they face are finding health care and a job. In one small Colorado city, a local clinic owner, herself a Ukrainian immigrant, is helping out as much as she can. Svitlana Prystinska has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Days after an assassination attempt, Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico remains in serious condition, but the worst may be over, according to his deputy. A suspect remains in custody. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
President Joe Biden and his Republican rival in the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump, have agreed to participate in two debates. A set of rules aims to make their interactions as civilized as possible. But whether the debates will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, particularly given their timing. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains.
Pakistan's new government is trying to ramp up work on the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman speaks with Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal about why Chinese companies should invest in Pakistan given the country's poor economic and security conditions. Camera: Wajid Asad, Malik Waqar Ahmed
After 20 years in Iraq, the United Nations has been told by the Iraqi prime minister it is time to move on. VOA's United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer reports.
Recent extreme weather in Southeast Asia has had far-reaching effects, such as school closures, drought and health advisories. While climate change is part of the problem, this year it was worsened by the cyclical weather pattern known as El Nino. Zdenko Novacki reports; Chris Casquejo narrates.
For two years, the fiancee and family of a Mariupol defender have been waiting for him to return home. They haven’t heard from him since May 2022. His comrades say he's alive and being held in Russian territory. From Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, Tetiana Kukurika has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Sergiy Rybchynski.
This week, President Joe Biden drastically increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, and semiconductors. The move follows his administration’s review of former President Donald Trump's trade policies toward China. White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at how the two presidential candidates differ in their approach.
Gigantic metal sculptures made by Kosovo-born artist Petrit Halilaj adorn the rooftop of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in an ode to a childhood affected by war. Garentina Kraja has the story. Camera: Vladimir Badikov
The Republican-majority U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would force President Joe Biden to send arms to Israel to aid its fight against Hamas. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports from Capitol Hill. Contributing: Saqib Ul Islam. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam.
US and Nigerien leaders continued high-level talks Friday on plans to withdraw all American military forces from the country, a US military official told VOA. Our Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has more on how the withdrawal affects the counterterror mission in the region.
A new report by Human Rights Watch has called on the United Nations and African Union to place an arms embargo on Sudan amid ongoing ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Henry Wilkins speaks to the author of the report, who says the response by the international community has been disappointing.Camera: Henry Wilkins
Protesters disrupted Google’s annual conference this week over the tech giant’s deal providing artificial intelligence and other services to the Israeli government. Matt Dibble reports from Mountain View, California. Camera: Matt Dibble.
In Africa, about 15% of the population faces disability challenges despite advancements in technology. Limited infrastructure and high cost of assistive tech create barriers to digital access, leading to exclusion. A conference in Nairobi this week aims to help change that. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
This week on The Inside Story: NATO conducts an airborne training exercise in Sweden featuring paratroopers. American politicians navigate the complexities of U.S. relations in Africa. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues as Kyiv strives to maintain control over a nearly 1,000km front line. Don't miss this week's episode of The Inside Story: NATO and the Russian Threat.
He captured the most famous faces in 1930s and early '40s cinema — Garbo, Crawford, Bogart and Gable. Now the work of George Hurrell, one of Hollywood's greatest portrait photographers, is on display at Washington’s National Portrait Gallery. For VOA News, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. Videographer: Hakim Shammo; Video editor: Cristina Caicedo Smit
Russian forces are expanding their attacks on Ukrainian border settlements close to the northeastern city of Kharkiv, opening up a new front in the war. With U.S. and European weapons finally due to arrive on the front lines in the coming weeks following delays, can Ukraine hold back Moscow’s invading troops? Henry Ridgwell has more
Voters in the Spanish region of Catalonia this week gave a clear victory to supporters of union with Spain after years of separatist tensions. Ricardo Marquina in Barcelona looks at the reasons behind this turnaround. Jonathan Spier narrates his report. Videographer Alfonso Beato contributed to this report.
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and many more are on the move as fighting between Israel and Hamas intensifies near the border with Egypt. Palestinian families say they have no safe place to flee to, and no aid available when they get there. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Istanbul with Nedal Hamdouna, Amjed Tantesh and Enas Tantesh in Rafah, Gaza. Camera: Enas Tantesh
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s naming of an economist as his new defense chief is a sign he is preparing for his costly war in Ukraine to go even longer, analysts say. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina.
U.S. voters have several ways to cast their ballots in a presidential election, including by mail. Many Democrats have embraced mail-in voting, and now Republicans are being urged by party leaders, including former President Donald Trump, to use all voting options in the 2024 general election. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. Salome Ramirez and Yeny Garcia of VOA’s Spanish Service contributed.
A 2023 Transparency International report found that most African nations have shown little progress in the fight against government corruption. Civil society groups in Ghana, however, are taking up the challenge to expose corruption and push for action. Isaac Kaledzi has more from the capital, Accra.
In India, 18 million first time voters in the country’s ongoing general elections include millions of college students. Anjana Pasricha speaks to some students in New Delhi and finds out that many support Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but they want more focus on issues like development and jobs and less on religious issues that have dominated the campaign so far.
As Russia ramps up its offensive in eastern Ukraine, officials with the U.S. command in Eastern Europe say it’s urgent for NATO to be ready for a possible confrontation. VOA’s Eastern Europe bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze talked to the U.S. and Polish commanders during a U.S. Army transfer of authority ceremony in Boleslawiec, Poland. VOA footage and video editing by Daniil Batushchak.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, in protest of the parliament's passage Tuesday of what critics call a Russian-style foreign agent law. The ruling party approved the legislation despite warnings from Washington and Brussels that such a move might threaten Georgia’s partnership with the West. VOA Georgian Service’s Ani Chkhikvadze has more details from Tbilisi.
There is little that the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Joe Biden agree on. One is the presidential candidacy of an activist lawyer with a famous political pedigree: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House reports both the Biden and Trump camps see Kennedy as a potential spoiler in this November’s election. VOA footage and video editing by Adam Greenbaum.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has taken an unannounced trip to Ukraine to deliver what he called a strong message of reassurance, as Ukrainian forces face fierce attacks by Russia’s military in the east and await new weapons shipments from allies. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign has launched a digital ad aimed at Latino voters, seeking to remind them of former president Donald Trump's controversial “zero tolerance” family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.
The U.N. environmental agency says Africa is the lowest contributor of global greenhouse emissions yet remains the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. A U.S. charity called GiveDirectly is helping some African communities build resilience. Juma Majanga reports from Baringo, Kenya.
Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv on the US top diplomat's unannounced visit to Ukraine.
A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway in South Africa, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against tuberculosis. The new vaccine could become the first to help prevent pulmonary TB, the most common form of the disease, in adolescents and adults. It would be the first new TB vaccine in more than a century. Zaheer Cassim has the story.
The NATO Swift Response exercise began earlier this month in Sweden, where around 800 paratroopers from the United States, Spain, Hungary, and Italy are training together to deter any potential aggression. It is the first such exercise on Swedish soil since the country joined NATO in March. VOA’s Eastern Europe Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from the training ground in Sweden. Video editor: Daniil Batushchak
The US Midwestern city of Detroit once had a thriving Chinatown. And while that historic neighborhood has disappeared, one culinary legacy is well remembered and remains a favorite among locals. VOA’s Chris Casquejo introduces us to almond boneless chicken. Camera and edit: Yu Chen
Conflict has forced a record number of people around the world to become internally displaced – forced to flee their homes, but still living in their home countries, often in refugee camps. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the figure has increased dramatically in the past five years.
Seafaring robots are increasingly used for tasks ranging from ocean exploration to rescue missions. Matt Dibble has the latest in this week’s episode of LogOn.
With artillery ammunition in short supply, Ukrainian fighters improvised and started using first-person view drones, or F-P-Vs, to target Russian troops. These camera-equipped drones pack less punch but can be much more precise in their targeting. Now a special training center for operators of these drones has opened in Kyiv. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Camera and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
The United Nations is pledging to help Malawi recover from a widespread drought linked to the El Nino climate pattern. Government officials say the crisis has created a food shortage for nearly half of the country’s population. The pledge comes after U.N. officials visited Malawi to see the damage firsthand and identify ways to offer support. Lameck Masina has more from southern Malawi.
In the United States, each year there are fewer news organizations covering local communities, even near the nation’s capital. Some high school journalists are trying to help make up for the shortage. Robin Guess reports from Montgomery County, just outside Washington. Camera: Nazir Afzali.
Washington says it is working to resolve the many issues in the continuing conflict in Gaza as negotiations continue and Israel plans to launch a full-scale operation in the southern city of Rafah over U.S. objections. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
As Russia pushed into northern Ukraine this week, the U.S. presidential race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump remained focused on another foreign policy crisis -- the war in Gaza. As VOA’s congressional correspondent, Katherine Gypson, reports, keeping American attention on Ukraine could be difficult.
As India goes to the polls, archrival Pakistan is closely watching. Islamabad is irked that Indian politicians have taken a tough stance on Pakistan to try to woo voters. VOA Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports.
Analysts say Russia is adopting a so-called hybrid approach to growing its strategic influence in the Arctic, through research, increased maritime activities and tourism. For the inhabitants of one remote Norwegian community, the announcement of a new boat bringing tourists from Russia means more than just a few extra visitors. Henry Wilkins reports from Svalbard, Norway.
As generative AI technologies like ChatGPT rapidly gain popularity, they are beginning to change the future of the job market. Some fear mass unemployment, but others see a bright future for human-AI cooperation. Maxim Adams has the story.
U.S. lawmakers, Capitol Hill staffers, famous athletes and international diplomats came together for a full day of soccer activities in Washington. The event raised money for youth soccer programs in underserved communities. Saqib Ul Islam has more from Audi Field in the U.S. capital. Igor Tsikhanenka contributed.
The South African government is hoping to strengthen protections for whistleblowers who report on corruption in business and government. Proponents say it's not only about making whistleblowers feel comfortable coming forward, but also about protecting them from retaliation. VOA’s Ihsaan Haffejee reports
Fifty-year-old Yevhen Savchenko has been serving as an official chaplain for Ukraine’s Armed Forces since late 2023, often performing his duties on the front line. Savchenko is also the father of eight children and pastor of an evangelical Baptist church in Ukraine’s Luhansk region. Anna Kosstutschenko spoke to him during a mission in the Donbas region. VOA footage and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Last year, Congress called for an investigation into 100 reported incidents of Chinese nationals attempting to enter U.S. military bases and other sensitive sites around the world. Officials on the island of Guam – which hosts some of the most strategically important U.S. bases in the Pacific – says they too are at risk and are asking for help in protecting their shores. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
The European Union has agreed in principle to a deal that would use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to supply weapons for Ukraine. As Henry Ridgwell reports, allies in Washington want the EU to go much further
In Barentsburg, Norway, a coal mining town in the high Arctic, Ukrainian residents lived side by side with Russians. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, however, Ukrainians have left the town after finding themselves in conflict with the Russian community. Henry Wilkins reports from Barentsburg.Camera: Henry Wilkins
In a sharp escalation of pressure on Israel’s war conduct, the Biden administration has paused the shipment of weapons to Israel amid mounting concern about its plan to expand a military operation in Rafah that the United States does not support. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this story.
The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the resulting war in Gaza led to a dramatic increase in antisemitism worldwide in 2023, a new report reveals. In the U.S., the Biden administration recommitted to the security of Israel and the safety of the Jewish community. Natasha Mozgovaya has the story.
In the 2024 U.S. elections, there will be 2 million more Asian American voters than there were four years ago, according to the Pew Research Center. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports on how Asian American lawmakers are getting out the vote. Camera: Matt Dibble.
Turkey’s decision last week to stop all trade with Israel until Israeli leaders reach a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is likely to hit Israel’s economy hard. Adding to those concerns are signs Turkey is encouraging other nations in the Islamic world to do the same. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Commencement ceremonies are being scaled back or canceled at U.S. universities because of security concerns over pro-Palestinian student protests. While some campus demonstrations have resulted in concessions, others have led to violent confrontations. VOA’s Tina Trinh has the story from New York.
Three decades ago, the breakup of the country of Yugoslavia led to 10 years of conflict involving Serbian nationals fighting against the former Yugoslav republics of Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Millions of people were displaced, and hundreds of thousands were killed and wounded. Now veterans of the war in Croatia are helping rehabilitate wounded Ukrainians. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Camera and edit: Yuriy Dankevych
The U.S. is expressing optimism that a cease-fire agreement in Gaza is within reach, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposed deal that Hamas said it had accepted. Israeli forces went ahead with a limited operation in eastern Rafah, prompting Hamas to warn there will be no cease-fire if that military action continues. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the latest.
The world is watching students on U.S. college campuses protest Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza. Global reactions to the demonstrations, including to students’ arrests vary from pride and solidarity to alarm and condemnation. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
In the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump are both using artificial intelligence to attract voters. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns reports on machine learning in this U.S. election.
Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his two-day visit to France Tuesday — his first trip to Europe in five years. As Henry Ridgwell reports, China and Europe are seeking to mend ties but face major obstacles — including trade disputes and Beijing’s support for Russia.
The US and Turkey have resumed security cooperation talks, and analysts say Turkish forces are poised to fill a vacuum should American forces pull out of Syria. Pentagon officials say there are no plans for a withdrawal, but analysts point to signs it may happen. Meanwhile, the speculation is causing concern among Kurdish forces in Syria. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Heavy metal music is controversial in some conservative societies but quite popular in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. As VOA’s Dave Grunebaum reports, heavy metal has a home in Indonesia.
Limited medical resources in Africa force some patients to travel abroad for specialized surgeries. Now, a new special surgery institute has opened in Ghana to try and help. Senanu Tord reports from Accra, Ghana.
British citizen Peter Fouche has been volunteering with Ukraine’s Armed Forces since March 2022. Before Russia’s invasion, he was working as a carpenter in London, but after the start of the war he made the decision to travel to Ukraine to help. In January 2024, he officially enlisted in the country’s Armed Forces. Anna Kosstutschenko met with the man and learned about what motivated him.” Camera and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Methane leaking from fossil fuel production is among the top contributors to climate change. Now a leading environmental scientist is hoping to provide more accurate and consistent findings of methane emissions with the launch of a technologically advanced satellite. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more, in this week’s episode of LogOn. (Produced by: Adam Greenbaum)
A Muslim-dominated neighborhood in the Indian capital that held a massive months-long protest of a new citizenship law four years ago has transformed into one of the city’s food hubs. Residents link its new identity to the protests when people from different communities bonded over food. From New Delhi, Anjana Pasricha has a report. Camera: Darshan Singh
Reports of possible progress on a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas are happening against the backdrop of Israel’s plan for a military incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In Washington, President Joe Biden lunched with Jordan’s king and spoke to Israel’s leader by phone in an apparent effort to soothe tensions. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Zimbabwe's parliament has started nationwide consultations after the Cabinet in February agreed to abolish the death penalty to conform with international standards. Columbus Mavhunga has the story from a public hearing in Bindura, Zimbabwe.
There are six months left in the U.S. presidential race between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican candidate Donald Trump. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at what is ahead for the campaigns in the run-up to Election Day.]
Academic institutions in Israel say they are making plans to welcome students who want to leave U.S. universities as campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza cause many American Jewish students to say they feel unsafe. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Human rights proponents say political repression in Pakistan has increased in the year since supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan stormed military properties to protest his arrest. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman has the details. Wajid Asad contributed.
Despite the fact that many of their encampments at university campuses have been dismantled, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the United States are standing their ground. If the protests continue, some analysts say they could have an impact on the 2024 presidential election. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains.
Can immigrants vote in U.S. elections? The answer is — not until they become naturalized citizens. Naturalization is a lengthy process that begins with obtaining a green card, also known as a permanent resident card. VOA’s Aline Barros explains the process.
Some residents of Nairobi’s suburbs are up in arms over what they say is illegal construction of high-rise buildings in their neighborhoods, mainly by Chinese developers. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi. Camera and video editing by Amos Wangwa.
Protests related to the Israel-Hamas war have boiled over on college campuses across the United States, some leading to clashes with police and confrontations between student groups. And despite the dangers, student journalists and their news organizations are leading the press coverage. VOA’s Robin Guess has the story.Camera: Keith Lane
The latest global press freedom rankings from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders present a discouraging picture, including a lack of political will to defend a free press. Afghanistan, Argentina and the U.S. are among countries whose rank fell. For VOA, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says Hamas does not appear poised to attack U.S. forces who are building a pier off the Gaza coast to deliver aid to the war-torn strip by sea. A mortar attack targeted the pier site earlier but caused no injuries. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb reports.
Malawi is grappling with an unprecedented rise in the water level of its largest body of water, Lake Malawi. Authorities say nearly 90% of the beach area has been submerged, damaging property and crops. Lameck Masina reports from Mangochi.
Fred’s Lounge, open exclusively on Saturday mornings, has been a vibrant hub for Cajun culture since 1946, hosting lively Cajun bands and preserving this rich heritage. Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
Gravelly Point, managed by the National Park Service and nestled along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, offers a haven for bikers, walkers, and picnickers, while also being renowned as one of the prime spots in the nation for airplane-watching. Camera | Editor | Producer: Philip Alexiou
Refik Anadol, an artist at the forefront of data painting and AI-generated art, explores the fusion of technology and creativity. By leveraging machine-learning algorithms, Anadol is known for innovative media works and showcases the creative potential of AI. Camera | Producer | Editor: Genia Dulot
As Orthodox Christians in Ukraine prepare to celebrate Easter on May 5th, Orthodox priests in Ukraine are finding themselves trying to serve their church and support their state, even when those two are at adds. VOA’s Anna Kosstutschenko reports.
Defense ministers from the United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines met for a second round of quadrilateral talks in less than a year this week amid further aggression from the Chinese military. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reports on the allies’ growing military ties.
A US architect is helping to design and renovate housing for internally displaced Ukrainians. VOAs Tetiana Kukurika has the story from the Khmelnytskyi region in Western Ukraine. Anna Rice narrates. Camera and edit: Vitaliy Hrychanyuk
"Threats to democracy" have overtaken the economy and immigration as the chief concern of U.S. voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, according to a recent Ipsos poll. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias breaks down the results.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme is “journalism in the face of the environmental crisis,” and a South African media outlet called Oxpeckers focuses on exactly that. For VOA, Kate Bartlett spoke to some of its journalists about what drives and challenges them as they report on people and practices that hurt the planet. Camera and edit: Zaheer Cassim
Of the five indicators that media watchdog Reporters Without Borders used to compile its 2024 World Press Freedom Index, the political indicator has been the most problematic, showing that governments failed to protect journalists. VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo looks at the rankings in Africa, where political actors were violent toward journalists.
The United States is promoting a plan for a hostage release and cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, leading eventually to the establishment of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The plan comes amid tensions between the U.S. and Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence that he will invade Rafah. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem.Camera: Ricki Rosen
For nearly a century, La Prensa has provided news to Nicaraguans. But with its entire team forced to flee persecution, the media outlet must adapt to new challenges to keep audiences informed. From San José, Costa Rica, VOA’s Donaldo Hernández has the story, narrated by Veronica Villafañe.
Moscow has cracked down on Russian media outlets that offer independent reporting on the war in Ukraine, prompting hundreds of journalists to flee. While in exile, these media workers have found ways to keep the news flowing into the heavily censored country. For VOA News, Lisa Bryant has the story from Paris. VOA footage by Vahid Karami.
Chad’s election on May 6 is almost certain to result in victory for transitional president and military leader Mahamat Idriss Déby, according to analysts. In the run-up to the vote, authorities have cracked down on the media and opposition leaders have been kept off the ballot. Despite that, experts say Chad will remain an important ally for Western security efforts in the Sahel region. Henry Wilkins reports.Camera: Henry Wilkins
Presumed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says if elected he would restore a travel ban on some majority-Muslim countries on the first day of his new administration. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
After weeks of pro-Palestinian protests escalating at universities across the U.S., President Joe Biden warned Thursday that order must prevail, even as he underscored that dissent is “essential for democracy.” White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
As UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day on May 3, we celebrate the dedication of journalists and independent media in delivering credible news to audiences in censored countries. This week on The Inside Story: World Press Freedom Day. #PressFreedom #TheInsideStory
NASA may soon have another way to get astronauts into space. Plus, the agency reconnects with an old friend and how to train a dog for a walk ... on the moon. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
The number of Washington-based journalists covering the Capitol for local news outlets is dwindling. As the beat shrinks, so, too, does the ability of these regional reporters to hold elected officials to account, media advocates say. VOA's Cristina Caicedo Smit and Liam Scott have the story, narrated by Caicedo Smit.
Police remain on Columbia University’s campus, even after clearing out student protesters and their encampment. But questions remain about how the university and the students move forward. Tina Trinh reports from New York.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his Middle East trip without an announcement of a cease-fire or hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Blinken during their meeting Wednesday that he would not accept an end to the war in Gaza as part of any hostage deal, and that a planned military operation on the city of Rafah would happen whether there was a cease-fire deal or not. VOA’s senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The U.S. state of Florida has a new law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. In this presidential campaign, Donald Trump is defending the right of states to regulate reproductive rights. Joe Biden says that decentralized authority threatens women’s lives. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns has the story
A Japanese diplomat’s act of defiance during World War II saved thousands of lives. It's also the focus of an ongoing effort by an American musician to pay tribute to the “Japanese Schindler.” VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Skokie, Illinois.
The average income of people around the world will be cut by one-fifth because of climate change by the middle of the century, according to a new report by Germany’s Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, published in the journal Nature. Henry Ridgwell has more.
The Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma helps older adults with a history of trauma cope with depression and anxiety resulting from their horrific experiences. These days, the center is also helping Holocaust survivors deal with the trauma of two modern wars in Ukraine and Israel. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Vazgen Varzhabetian
According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 million people died from tuberculosis in 2022. The disease is fully treatable but relies on timely diagnosis. Mireille Kamariza, a molecular bioengineer from the University of California, Los Angeles, has developed a test that can detect the bacteria quickly, precisely and inexpensively. VOA’s Genia Dulot has the story.
As Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu vows to enter Rafah to rid the Gaza Strip of Hamas, the United States military has started to build a pier off the coast in hopes of providing more aid to civilians trapped in the violence. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb explains why this has some lawmakers worried about what’s next.
Tensions on U.S. campuses enter a new phase as a Jewish student files a proposed class action lawsuit alleging students were displaced from Columbia University because its administration could not guarantee their safety. VOA's Natasha Mozgovaya has the story.
A majority of younger voters in this U.S. presidential election say they wish they had someone other than Joe Biden or Donald Trump to choose from. Some of that has to do with the candidates' ages. But who are the younger voters backing one of the two? VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
The number of Russian soldiers killed in combat since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine remains a secret that the Kremlin goes to great lengths to hide. However, open-source research has recently yielded figures that show Moscow’s losses have been heavy. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina.
At former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trial in New York, an ex-tabloid publisher testified about his efforts to help then-candidate Trump by buying negative stories about him and suppressing them. “Catch and kill” is part of a practice known as checkbook journalism. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi explains.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is stepping up his efforts to play a more prominent role in the Gaza conflict. The Turkish leader recently hosted Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
China’s share of the European electric vehicle market has doubled in less than two years, with Chinese automakers accounting for 20 percent of EVs sold in Europe last year. The trend is raising alarm among European carmakers, and they are considering pushing for new tariffs. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report from Alfonso Beato in Barcelona. VOA’s Ricardo Marquina contributed.
South Africa's treatment of its big cats has long tarnished its reputation for conservation, from allowing captive-bred lion hunting to selling lion bones to East Asia for their purported "medicinal" qualities. But now, the country is ending all that. Kate Bartlett reports from Lionsrock Sanctuary in Free State province. Camera and video editing by Zaheer Cassim.
Images of African senior citizens walking a fashion runway created a buzz on social media, with AI-generated pictures challenging traditional depictions of elderly Africans. VOA’s Karina Choudhury has all the looks in this week’s episode of LogOn. Videographer: Samuel Okocha
Kenyan start-up is producing water for dry communities literally out of air. The company Majik Water uses an Indian-built device that pulls humidity out of the air using an electrostatic filter. With the technology, it is able to supply up to 500 liters of water per day in arid regions. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi. (Camera and Produced by: Jimmy Makhulo)
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is expected to strengthen ties with China following the landslide win by his party in recent parliamentary elections. The polls, held under the shadow of rivalry between India and China for influence in the archipelago, are being seen as a setback for India’s bid to limit Beijing’s presence in the Indian Ocean region. Anjana Pasricha in New Delhi has a report.
Campus protests of the war in Gaza continue, despite college administrations' warnings — and new ones are being launched. VOA Natasha Mozgovaya reports from an encampment set up Monday at the University of Washington in Seattle.
While Washington has so far failed to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East on Monday to try to improve the humanitarian situation and lay the groundwork for what happens in Gaza — and the region — after the war ends. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Human Rights Watch has released crucial archives from the 1994 genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda, revealing ignored warnings that could have saved lives. These warnings by rights defenders highlight their vital role in safeguarding communities. Thirty years on, civil society groups are intensifying efforts by training more youth advocates to protect human rights in Rwanda. Senanu Tord reports from Kigali, Rwanda.
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is planning to campaign in the Midwest state of Michigan this week. It’s one of a handful of states that could swing the results of November’s presidential election. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has our story.
U.S. officials are negotiating the removal of American troops from Niger after the country's military junta ended a longstanding pact. Niger is the latest Sahel country to eject Western forces and replace them with Russian troops. Analysts say similar moves have not improved military security for Niger's neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. Henry Wilkins reports.
Not only is climate change responsible for sea level rise and extreme weather events, but a new peer-reviewed study signals it may also impact global timekeeping. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Here’s a look at how the tradition of calling states that usually favor Republicans “red” and Democrats “blue” came about.
At least 16 African countries, including South Africa, will hold elections in the remaining months of 2024. Voters who go online for political news are risking exposure to disinformation and misinformation. But a new digital ethics organization aims to help journalists and activists identify false and misleading content so they can educate the public. Zaheer Cassim has the story from Johannesburg.
U.S. President Joe Biden’s jokes were well-received by those who attended the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington Saturday. But his political rival, Donald Trump, criticized the event as he gears up for a new round of campaign stops and court appearances this week. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Hamas says it is reviewing a cease-fire plan for Gaza put forth by Israel. This follows a visit to Israel by an Egyptian delegation where officials described a “new vision” for a prolonged end to hostilities. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump says he is ready to renew a right-wing alliance with Hungary’s Viktor Orban if he wins the election in November. The presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee made the comments in an address to the CPAC conservative conference in Budapest. As Henry Ridgwell reports, analysts say Orban seeks a global conservative movement that is hoping for success at the ballot box in a crucial election year.
America's high-tech industry is looking at the presumptive U.S. presidential candidates and their priorities concerning semiconductors. The Biden administration last week announced a major investment in the industry. VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced a military aid package for Ukraine valued at up to $6 billion. Analysts say the aid is desperately needed to help Ukraine regain the upper hand after months of having to ration ammunition. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
Hundreds of students at U.S. universities have been arrested in protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the protests are a hallmark of U.S. democracy but criticized students for their silence on Hamas. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington is “fully prepared” to impose sanctions over China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. His comments came Friday, following a meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo in Seoul, South Korea.
Methane leaking from fossil fuel production is among the top contributors to climate change. Now a leading environmental scientist is hoping to provide more accurate and consistent findings of methane emissions with the launch of a technologically advanced satellite. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Arash Arabasadi contributed to this report. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
Asian Americans are the fastest growing group of eligible voters in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. That makes them an important focus for presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns has our story. Video: VOA Khmer Service, VOA Mandarin Service, Matt Dibble
For some African communities, the road to food security is traveled best by tractor. A company called Hello Tractor, supported by non-profit Heifer International, is enabling poor, smallholding farmers to rent or buy mechanized farm equipment that is helping them increase their productivity and profits. Mohammed Yusuf reports from the town of Rabuor in western Kenya.
As climate change wreaks havoc around the world, the need for sustainable solutions grows more urgent. In Nigeria, a private company recently introduced an Uber-style taxi system made of approximately 200 electric vehicles. The company says the fleet is a step toward a greener future. Gibson Emeka reports from Abuja, Nigeria. Amy Reifenrath narrates.
Thirty-eight years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, hundreds of people work to dismantle the long-defunct power plant and control the contaminated exclusion zone, a 30-kilometer area surrounding it. Lesia Bakalets has the story of a man who lived through the tragedy and still works there.
An inside look at the massive foreign aid bill approved by lawmakers in Washington. Find out more about the targets of the bill, including Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific. Plus, explore the role of artificial intelligence in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. This week on The Inside Story Politics, US Aid and War.
Victorian dress was forcibly imposed on Namibia’s indigenous ǂNūkhoe women by German colonizers in the late 1800s. Despite the origins, these styles persist today as a symbol of resilience. Lee Garises reports from Windhoek, Namibia. Camera: Jesaya Abraham
Every April the sitting U.S. president and the White House media gather to make fun of each other. The star-studded White House Correspondents Dinner this Saturday is a good time to analyze how a president changes his speech to his audience. Here's VOA's Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti about what to expect this year - in the middle of a campaign.
A Ukrainian version of the Minecraft game features Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick, U.S. astronaut Scott Kelly, and other celebrities from around the globe. The new game, called Minesalt, is based on Ukraine's famous Soledar salt mines. Anna Kosstutschenko reports. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy.
In the Solomon Islands – officials are counting ballots in key national elections that were held on April 17. It’s the first poll since the strategic Pacific country signed a security pact with China. And who wins may well dictate whether the Solomons continues to draw closer to Beijing or Washington. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports. Charley Piringi and Bakhtiyar Zamanov contributed.
U.S. university campuses are seeing pro-Palestinian protests daily. Students are demonstrating against the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and demanding that humanitarian aid be allowed to flow into the territory. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
U.S. President Joe Biden is making reproductive rights a centerpiece of his re-election campaign, blaming opponent Donald Trump for opening the way to stricter state abortion laws. In this presidential campaign, Trump is pursuing a more moderate position on abortion than other Republicans. Scott Stearns reports.
April 25 marks the global observance of World Malaria Day. Pakistan saw the world’s largest increase in malaria cases in 2022 following that year’s catastrophic flooding, according to the latest World Health Organization data. Experts say climate change was a factor. VOA's Nazr Ul Islam's visited a hospital in Islamabad and filed this report narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.Camera: Nazr Ul Islam
President Joe Biden signed a $26 billion wartime assistance package to Israel on Wednesday, at a time when there is increased scrutiny over whether that country’s military is meeting U.S. human rights standards. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam.
News of the U.S. approval of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine is raising optimism in that country in the face of an expected Russian assault this summer. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
Paytm, a popular payment app in India, faces government restrictions on business because of its Chinese connections, local media say. India is ramping up scrutiny and restrictions on other Chinese tech companies, too, amid concerns about security and geopolitics. Henry Wilkins has the story from Mumbai.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of tense negotiations in Congress. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports on what's next.
In a dramatic surge, U.S. border patrol authorities detained more than 24,000 Chinese citizens crossing the southern border in fiscal year 2023, a 12-fold increase from the previous year. Many come seeking asylum, and among those that do, a small group of China’s ethnic Hui Muslims stands out. Aron Ranen brings us the story from the Big Apple.
As the legislative branch of the United States government, Congress is responsible for proposing and passing the nation’s laws. But in recent years, fewer and fewer laws have been making their way to the president’s desk to be signed.
A breakdown in the international rule of law is being accelerated through rapid advancement in technology and artificial intelligence, which risks a “supercharging” of human rights violations. That’s according to the new annual report by rights group Amnesty International. Henry Ridgwell has more.
When a person dies, it often falls to their children, loved ones, lawyers or even friends to sort through the things they’ve left behind. Sometimes, those things are unfinished projects or hobbies, that’s where the group Loose Ends comes in. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Artificial intelligence surrounds U.S. political life, from fundraising to campaign advertising. Some lawmakers are looking to better police the use of generative content in this year’s presidential election as they say it threatens voter confidence in what is real. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns reports.
After years of political wrangling and court battles, British lawmakers passed legislation Monday that the government hopes will allow it to deport asylum seekers arriving in small boats across the English Channel to Rwanda for processing. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, the dangers of the migrant crossings were underlined just hours after the law was passed.
Africa’s entertainment industry is another stage where global competition between China and the U.S. is playing out. African artists see it as an opportunity. Kate Bartlett has the details from Johannesburg. Camera and video editing by Zaheer Cassim.
The Dutch company Holoconnects are experts in the field of holographic illusions and are now delivering life-size personal connections with a 2-meter-tall box that make it feel like the person you are talking to is physically present. Deana Mitchell has more from Austin, Texas in this week’s episode of LogOn.
Taiwan is looking to Southeast Asia as a pipeline to fill its shortage of high-tech talent. The numbers of foreign students coming to the island has been growing, especially from Vietnam and Indonesia. VOA Mandarin’s Peh Hong Lim reports from Hsinchu, Taiwan. Adrianna Zhang contributed.
In Eswatini, only 46% of girls complete secondary education, according to UNICEF, with pregnancy and poverty being major contributing factors. A new mentorship program for young rural girls, STEM Sisters, is designed to buck these trends by teaching coding, robotics, and engineering, opening doors to careers and opportunities they never knew existed. Nokukhanya Musi reports.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to China this week for talks with senior officials in Shanghai and Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, the South China Sea, and human rights. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more.
Farmers in rural Malawi are learning to move away from over-dependence on maize, the country’s primary staple crop. A local charity Never Ending Food is teaching farmers about 200 types of food crops they can grow and eat. Lameck Masina reports from Lilongwe.
Marijuana is a rare consensus issue in politically divided America, with polls showing that 88 percent of Americans support at least partially legalizing the drug. But cannabis advocates say neither of the leading presidential candidates are capitalizing on shifting attitudes. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has our story.
After two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, officials say Ukraine is one of the most mined countries in the world. As Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv, besides threatening human lives, mines also affect the environment. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets.
Russian media say the country plans to deploy ballistic missiles close to its border with Finland. Analysts say it’s the latest in a series of military and hybrid threats that Russia has made against Finland since it joined NATO last year in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi is on a three-day visit to neighboring Pakistan. The visit — the first by an Iranian president to Pakistan in eight years — comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. It is also the first meeting between the head of governments of both countries since the two sides exchanged cross-border strikes in January. VOA Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports from Islamabad. VOA footage by Wajid Asad. Video editing by Malik Waqar Ahmed.
Before the creation of engines, the ocean was full of low-emission vessels — they were called sailboats. Now a next-generation zero-emissions laboratory vessel called the Energy Observer recently docked in New York City to show off what this team hopes is the next generation of earth-friendly boats. Elena Wolf has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Max Avloshenko
A group of activists hopes to break Israel's blockade of Gaza with a flotilla of vessels carrying aid. It is set to sail from Istanbul in the coming days. In a similar mission 14 years ago, Israeli forces intercepted a Turkish flotilla in a deadly raid that resulted in the deaths of 10 people. There are warnings this attempt may trigger a new crisis. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Ten months after most of Oregon's Republican state senators ended a six-week boycott of the legislature, they are facing steep consequences for their protest. Deborah Bloom has the story from Salem, Oregon’s capital.
Experts say one of the health care challenges in Africa is a shortage of training and education for workers. To help, a U.S. charity called Mission to Heal is training local workers who serve patients in remote locations. Juma Majanga reports from Ngurunit village in northern Kenya. Videographer: Jimmy Makhulo
Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Saturday. The measure now heads to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to take up a vote early this week. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
The trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump enters a new stage Monday when opening remarks begin. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden will make a campaign stop in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday to talk about reproductive rights. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
The U.S. economy is always a major factor in the presidential campaign because the president plays a key role in setting and shaping trade and economic policies. VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti reports on how the economy is doing and the difference between how the two presidential contenders would handle it. Camera: Mike Burke
Restored mangroves earn Pakistan millions of dollars in global carbon credit markets. But political turmoil is keeping Pakistan from using the funds to strengthen its defense against climate change. VOA Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports from deep in the Indus River delta.
Ukraine has appealed for its European allies to urgently step up weapons supplies as it struggles to hold ground against invading Russian forces. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Germany has called for allies to provide more air defense systems, as Russian drones and missiles rain down on Ukrainian cities.
The Biden administration said it was not involved in Israel’s predawn drone strike inside Iran on Friday. As White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports, both Iran and Israel appear to be heeding calls for de-escalation, at least for now.
A Philippine court on Tuesday acquitted Maria Ressa and her news website Rappler in a tax case. Now the Nobel laureate is fighting two other challenges. VOA News reporter Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. (Produced by: Cristina Caicedo Smit)
The damage caused by the most powerful earthquake to hit Morocco in more than a century has been extensive. But residents say the quake has shown the resilience and spirit of Moroccans. Emmanuel Moadjidibaye visited the village of Moulay Brahim and reports this story narrated by Arzouma Kompaore. Camera: Emmanuel Victoire Ngapela, Emmanuel Moadjidibaye.
Taiwan has asked retired military women to volunteer for the reserves to help strengthen its military capabilities in the face of Chinese aggression. For VOA News, Katie Tam reports from Taipei on some of the first women to step forward.
Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. is one of the country’s few diplomatic missions that is still operating since the Taliban’s takeover of the country in 2021. Naseer Ahmad Faiq, who leads the mission, says that his team’s priorities are to represent the people of Afghanistan and help the humanitarian efforts in the country. Zafar Bamyani reports from New York, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Camera: Zafar Bamyani, Contributor: Roshan Noorzai
Kashmiri soldiers in the Indian army face risks on the job and also when they travel home to India-controlled Kashmir. There, they face an ongoing insurgency and attacks by anti-India militants. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam reports from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir
Johannesburg, South Africa’s most populous city, has for years struggled to keep up with housing demand due to an influx of people who come in search of opportunities. Some residents, many with little financial means, find themselves in sub-par housing that has a high risk of fire and little to no access to water and electricity. Jan Bornman reports from Johannesburg, South Africa. Camera: Zaheer Cassim
In Indian cities, most electric vehicles seen on the roads are not cars, but three- and two-wheel vehicles that deliver goods and ferry passengers in cities. Anjana Pasricha reports on how the exponential growth in these electric vehicles in New Delhi and surrounding towns could contribute to cleaning up the air in one of the world’s most polluted cities. Video: Darshan Singh
U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced Tuesday that lawmakers will launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, advancing an investigation concerning allegations Biden benefited from his son Hunter’s foreign business dealings. VOA's Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Capitol Hill.
The British government has rejected calls to officially label China as a threat to its interests. Several lawmakers have called for a tougher line after it was revealed that a researcher in the British Parliament was arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Nicaragua’s army chief has accused the media of trying to overthrow the government. The country’s journalists, however, say such “false” comments only add to the country’s already repressive environment. For Donaldo Hernández in Costa Rica, Verónica Villafañe has the story for VOA News. (Camera: Donaldo Hernández; Translated and Produced by: Veronica Villafañe)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to repair relations with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, damaged after Erdogan’s government supported Syrian rebels for years. But Assad is refusing talks until Turkey withdraws its forces from Syria. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, Russia may be key to breaking the impasse.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is in China this week at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The state visit comes after much of Zambia’s debt to China and other countries was restructured in June through a $6.3 billion deal approved by the International Monetary Fund. Kathy Short reports from the Zambian capital, Lusaka. Camera: Richard Kille
According to the World Bank, in 2022, 64 million people in Nigeria did not have an account with a bank or other reputable financial institution. But those who do are falling prey to electronic bank fraud, or e-fraud. Gibson Emeka has this report from Abuja, Nigeria, narrated by Salem Solomon. (Camera: Gibson Emeka)
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is coming under fire from some supporters who say he is putting power ahead of principles. Sunday, one party announced it was leaving the ruling coalition. Dave Grunebaum talks to political analysts about the competing pressures Anwar faces. (Camera: Dave Grunebaum)
The giant pandas that have been living at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington for 23 years will return to China by the end of this year. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias takes a look at the diplomatic moves that brought them to the United States and how politics and new conservation strategies could impact the species' future.
Unlike most computers today, the potential of quantum computing seems unlimited. What little we already know about this emerging technology is just the tip of the iceberg, experts say. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. (Produced by: Adam Greenbaum)
Treating and rehabilitating patients who lost limbs on the battlefield is a harsh reality for Ukraine’s health care workers. An American occupational therapist has been in Ukraine for several months to help. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story from Lviv. Camera and video editing by Yuriy Dankevych.
From economic hardships to company buyouts, so-called news deserts are spreading across the United States and contributing to a rise in misinformation and decline in trust in media. For Liam Scott in Marion, Kansas, Laurel Bowman has the story for VOA News. Video: Saqib Ul Islam
The African island nation Sao Tome and Principe has only one cardiologist for its approximately 200,000 inhabitants. Her name is Miryan Cassandra and VOA’s Oscar Medeiros spoke to her in this report narrated by Barbara Santos
Twenty-two years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., September 11 was again a date of mourning and reflection in the United States. Remembrance ceremonies were held for the nearly 3,000 people who died, with President Joe Biden promising to keep terrorism at bay. Here’s VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias with key moments from anniversary events across the United States.
Thirty years ago this week, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and U.S. President Bill Clinton shook hands on the White House lawn and announced the Oslo Peace Accords that were meant to pave the way to a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But as Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem, to many Israelis and Palestinians, that solution seems more distant than ever. Camera: Ricki Rosen
The large U.S. military presence on the Japanese islands of Okinawa has long caused tensions with locals. But as Henry Ridgwell reports, amid growing tensions with China – and the shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – sentiments toward the U.S. bases are changing.
A runner has completed a 50-day ultramarathon from Amsterdam to Kyiv in a bid to raise money for ambulances on the front lines in Ukraine. Reporter Lesia Bakalets was at the finish line in Kyiv to see Dutch national Boas Kragtwik complete his 2,500-kilometer run. Camera: Yevhenii Shynkar
Jane Rosenberg started her courtroom sketch artist career drawing prostitutes in New York's night court in 1980. Four decades later, she is still making court sketches, but these days some of her portraits are of much more well-known people. Nina Vishneva met with the artist to talk about her work. Anna Rice narrates the story. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Vladimir Badikov
As Russia closes in on the city of Kupiansk in the north end of Ukraine’s war zone and retreats from towns in the south, city workers man their posts at a firehouse and post office near the front lines, but all hope to find safety away from the war. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Velyka Novosilka and Kupiansk. Some residents requested that their last names be withheld for safety reasons. ]
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tried to reassure Ukraine on Sunday that it will have continued support from its Western allies. Russia, however, just had local elections in four Ukrainian areas it illegally annexed and Moscow appears determined to solidify its gains. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Last month, Canada imposed sanctions on Russia's nuclear sector. Targets included subsidiaries of Russia's Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation. The U.S. imposed similar sanctions in April. Yet the West continues to have ties with Rosatom, which dominates the nuclear fuel supply chain. Oleksii Kovalenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
A 2022 film highlighting the plight of a person with albinism in Zambia is streaming on Netflix. “Can You See Us” is based on the true story of a boy who becomes a successful musician despite obstacles caused by his genetic condition. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka. VOA footage by Richard Kille.
U.S. President Joe Biden has held his highest-level direct talks in months with the Chinese. The talks came during the recent summit of 20 of the world’s largest economies in New Delhi, India. During a historic visit to Vietnam after that, Biden also said a comprehensive strategic partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam is not about containing China. VOA's State Department bureau chief Nike Ching has more.
The death toll in Morocco has climbed past 2,000 following a massive earthquake late Friday. Buildings are reduced to rubble, and survivors sleep outside for fear of damaged dwellings collapsing. Help in many forms is on the way. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Niger’s military leaders recently reopened the country’s airspace to all commercial flights, ending a closure that had been in place since August 6. But, in a VOA exclusive, U.S. military officials tell VOA that the change to commercial flight access has not “normalized” U.S. drone flight frequencies. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
The White House calls this year’s G20 summit a success, saying the final communique contains “consequential paragraphs” on the war in Ukraine. Even though China and Russia’s leaders skipped the gathering in India, US officials say members reached consensus on a range of issues. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from New Delhi. Camera: AP, AFP, Paris Huang.
Since its founding, the United States has incorporated art into its federal buildings. These days, one-half of one percent of a new building’s budget usually goes to funding original art designed specifically for that structure. As VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports, it’s a tradition that helps preserve American culture for future generations. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
Thousands of travelers and hundreds of trucks laden with goods were stranded for a third day near the Pakistani border town of Torkham, as the crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed following deadly clashes between the two countries’ security forces. Khudainoor Nasar has the story from Torkham, narrated by Amy Katz.Camera: Shaheen Afridi and Khudainoor Nasar
Since China reopened its borders in January, thousands of Chinese have traveled to the United States. Some have asked for asylum. Mike O’Sullivan reports from Los Angeles, where recent migrants are adapting to life in a new country.
President Joe Biden received a warm welcome in India’s capital upon his arrival on Friday for a summit of the leaders of the Group of 20 major and developing economies. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from New Delhi on the mood ahead of this summit, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees as a validation of India’s place among global powers
Niger’s military leaders this week reopened the country’s airspace to all commercial flights, ending a closure that had been in place since Aug. 6. But, in a VOA exclusive, US military officials tell VOA that the change to commercial flight access has not 'normalized' US drone flight frequencies. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
Britain on Friday marked one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, polls show her successor, King Charles III, faces a challenge to keep the monarchy relevant and popular among younger generations. Camera: Henry Ridgwell.
VOA Connect Episode 295 - People who are using their art form to help and foster connections with others.
Aida Murad, diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at 20, turned to art as a means of healing. Today, she helps others on their healing journey, using her creations to transform the lives of those she touches. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Zdenko Novacki, Additional Camera: Philip Alexiou
Sculptor Jeff Hall pushes his creative boundaries by venturing into different mediums for his sculpture. He finds his greatest joy when his sculptures, displayed locally and nationwide, become part of people’s daily lives. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
Join us on a walk through the forest to see the transformation of leaves as they change color in autumn. Camera | Editor: Jeff Swicord
The U.N. secretary-general is in Asia this week for the gathering of ASEAN leaders, as a busy month of international diplomacy gets underway. VOA’s Margaret Besheer has more on the top stories this week at the United Nations
Amid sharpened geopolitical rivalry among the United States, China and Russia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a forceful call to leaders to ease tensions and avoid conflict in Southeast Asia. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Jakarta.
Is higher education worth the cost? We will explore whether pursuing a higher education genuinely results in a lucrative career in today's rapidly evolving and technology-driven society. This week on The Inside Story, The Price of Learning.
A recent Wall Street Journal report said the United Arab Emireates was supplying weapons to the paramilitary group allegedly carrying out many of the atrocities in neighboring Sudan. The UAE denies the accusation. Henry Wilkins reports from Adre, Chad.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, are pledging deeper economic cooperation as the list of international sanctions on Russia grows. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
After the Taliban took Kabul in August 2021, Afghan photojournalist Mariam Alimi fled to the U.S. Now she must restart her career in media. Roshan Noorzai has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Journalists covering Ecuador’s elections are rethinking safety measures after an uptick in violence that included the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. From Quito, Ecuador, Néstor Aguilera has the story, narrated by Verónica Villafañe
As delegates gather in Kenya for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, seeking ways to combat the effects of climate change, activists are screening films illustrating the impacts of global warming in Africa and calling for climate justice for the continent. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi. Camera — Amos Wangwa
It has been nearly five months since civil war erupted in Sudan. The U.N. refugee agency estimates that by year's end, 1.8 million people will have fled to neighboring countries. VOA’s Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo reports on a group of Sudanese artists who came together recently to deal with the trauma of the war by showcasing their work in the Kenyan capital
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv Wednesday on his fourth trip to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in early 2022. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, with Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson contributing. VOA footage by Saqib Ul Islam.
Recent statements by an Israeli far-right minister have reignited decades-old accusations from Palestinians who say Israel is imposing an apartheid regime by enforcing separate laws for Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
A chair with Myanmar’s flag was left empty as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to Southeast Asian leaders during the U.S.-ASEAN summit hosted by outgoing chair Indonesia. VOA’s White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara is traveling with Harris and sends this report from Jakarta.
Around 2,100 U.S. and 1,900 Indonesian troops are taking part in joint military exercises in East Java, Indonesia. It is the biggest iteration of this annual exercise and comes amid rising tensions between Southeast Asia and China. VOA's Ahadian Utama reports. Camera: Ahadian Utama
China pledged to help South Africa with its crippling energy crisis during the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg. At the same time, South Africa said it wants to correct a trade imbalance with China and export more finished products — but manufacturing in South Africa is currently hampered by the unreliable power grid. Kate Bartlett spoke to business owners in Johannesburg about the challenges they face. Video editor: Zaheer Cassim
Yuriy Fedorenko got his call sign Achilles for bravery and independence. Before the war, he was working full time as a Kyiv city council deputy; today, he is fighting against Russian forces in Donbas as commander of an attack drone squadron. Anna Kosstutschenko has his story. VOA footage by Pavel Suhodolskiy
President Joe Biden is in India this week, joining leaders from the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations this week to discuss issues such as climate change, debt restructuring and the war in Ukraine and welcoming new members. On Tuesday, the administration laid out his priorities. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
At a refugee encampment in eastern Chad, Sudanese children say Janjaweed militias in Darfur have made them orphans in recent months. As media and rights organizations continue to report atrocities, reporter Henry Wilkins speaks to the children who are left to fend for themselves in a foreign country with little help.
An education crisis is once again looming in Kenya as hundreds of nonlocal teachers demand transfers from the predominantly Muslim region in the country’s northeast after a series of deadly attacks by al-Shabab militants. Schools reopened August 28, but most students have not yet resumed classes. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir County, Kenya.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a process that uses polluted water to produce hydrogen while purifying the water at the same time. VOA’s Julie Taboh reports on advances in the fossil fuel alternative.
The first African Climate Summit began on Monday in Kenya, with heads of state and international organizations advocating for a stronger voice and more financing to combat the impact of climate change on the continent. Mohammed Yusuf reports from Nairobi. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
In early September, leaders from 10 countries will meet in Indonesia for the 43rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also known as ASEAN.
Nuclear fusion has excited scientists for decades with its potential to produce abundant carbon-free energy. In the Pacific Northwest state of Washington, one startup is hoping to win the race to develop the technology that finally makes that power available to consumers. From Seattle, Phil Dierking has our story. (Camera and Produced by: Philip Dierking)
Burning Man, the annual weeklong festival in Nevada closed its entrance Saturday due to flooding from recent storms. Some of the thousands of festivalgoers are being warned to shelter in place. Despite the weather, the event drew artists from around the world, including six Chinese artists who spoke with Genia Dulot before the rain set in. (Camera and Produced by: Genia Dulot)
A California tech startup is using artificial intelligence, or AI, to mask the accents of call center workers to reduce discrimination, but some say diversity is being erased. Matt Dibble has the story.
The charity Doctors Without Borders has called on the international community to prevent a "catastrophic" humanitarian disaster in Chad, as an influx of refugees from neighboring Sudan overwhelms aid groups' abilities to cope. In this report from Adre, Chad, Henry Wilkins meets refugees whose children are suffering from malnutrition.
Currently, the odds seem high for an election rematch between incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump. However, some politicians are leaving the door open to entering the race. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias, has the story.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’s “seeking strong steps” including deportation, after street protests turned violent in Tel Aviv. Rival Eritrean factions fueled a riot over their homeland’s politics, with scores of injuries and damage to property. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea, an ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the war in Ukraine are key issues that Vice President Kamala Harris will address at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Pakistanis are angry about a sudden increase in their electricity bills. In daily protests that began in late August, people are demanding the government take back the new charges that have made electricity almost unaffordable for many. VOA’s Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman explains why this crisis has emerged. Camera: Wajid Asad
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby visits with VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara on Sept. 1, 2023, to discuss expectations for President Joe Biden’s trip to the G20 summit in New Delhi, his subsequent stop in Hanoi, and other issues.
In 1945, U.S. forces invaded the Japanese island of Okinawa, triggering one of the bloodiest land battles of the Pacific. A man who has spent decades looking for the remains of those killed fears Okinawa is again vulnerable as tensions rise between China and the United States. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Another attempted coup in Africa, and a glimmer of hope for reviving the Black Sea grain deal. VOA Correspondent Margaret Besheer has more on the top stories this week at the United Nations.
An art exhibition in Rockville, Maryland, pays tribute to women in Iran who have been killed for speaking out against injustice. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
In 2023, the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service unveiled a state-of-the-art project: the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Wells Fargo Education Center. Reporting from the National Mall in Washington, Liliya Anisimova has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Elena Matusovsky
Poland plans to double its armed forces to 300,000 by 2035 with a combination of professional soldiers and volunteers. As Lesia Bakalets reports, Russia’s full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine has triggered a huge number of Poles from all walks of life to sign up as volunteers. Camera: Daniil Batushchak
VOA Connect Episode 294 - We meet a number of people who are making efforts to reduce ocean pollution and help sea creatures.
Erin Pelletier, executive director of a Maine-based nonprofit, works with local lobstermen to remove abandoned fishing gear from the ocean. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Linus Manchester
Brook Thompson, a Yurok and Karuk Native American civil/environmental activist is fighting for river restoration and restoring the habitat for fish and ecosystems that sustain other wildlife in the Klamath River.
From its wooded trails to its rocky beaches, Fort Foster Park in Kittery, Maine is a microcosm of the state’s natural beauty. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Linus Manchester
The adoption of a law to criminalize defamation in Bosnia’s republic of Srpska has oppositional lawmakers, media watchdogs and the EU concerned. For VOA News, Aid Mrsic has the story. Camera: Dragan Stegic
A record drought in the Horn of Africa has killed vast numbers of cows, goats and sheep, imperiling the livelihoods of pastoralists like the Maasai in Kenya. Now, a U.S charity called Water is Life Kenya is giving herders new animals and cash. Juma Majanga reports from Enkong’u Narok village.
We delve into the importance of a free press and how the spread of disinformation affects society. This week on The Inside Story, A Free Press Matters; Disinformation.
Nearly 60,000 asylum-seekers are in New York City’s care. Some of them have no choice but to sleep outside, and some residents don’t want them. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Ukrainian leaders and advocates say Russia has been holding in captivity more than 20,000 Ukrainians since the start of its full-scale invasion. From Warsaw, Poland, reporter Lesia Bakalets has the story of the agonizing wait of one woman whose husband was detained in October and taken to a prison in Moscow. Camera: Daniil Batushchak
The United Nations says 1 million people have fled Sudan, confounding expectations about the scale of the exodus triggered by the country's war. While some neighboring states, such as Chad and South Sudan, welcome refugees, others, such as Egypt, are pushing them away. Henry Wilkins reports from Renk, South Sudan, and Adre, Chad.
It started as one man’s hobby, but watching Russian cargo ships on the Bosphorus Strait and spotting those that are busting sanctions by carrying illegal cargo from occupied ports in Ukraine has become a crucial resource for global media and others who monitor compliance. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Believed to be the fifth-largest military force in the world, the Russian army has not been as successful in Ukraine as President Vladimir Putin initially hoped when he invaded the country a year and a half ago. Ani Chkhikvadze talked to US experts about Russia’s military strength. Anna Rice narrates the story
The Panama Canal has been significantly impacted by climate change and an El Niño-induced drought, leading authorities to impose restrictions on vessels to keep trade and the canal flowing. From Panama City, Óscar Sulbarán has the story, narrated by Veronica Villafañe. (Camera: Óscar Sulbarán, Produced by: Veronica Villafañe)
A 2023 study found that in 2021, almost 2 billion people worldwide were affected by anemia, a condition in which red blood cell concentration is lower than usual. It also found that anemia was especially prevalent in Western and Central Africa. From Nairobi, Kenya, Mohammed Yusuf reports on the scope of the problem in Africa and the ways it can be reversed.
A Ukrainian community group in the western U.S. state of Colorado organized a job fair for newly arrived war refugees. Svitlana Prystynska has our story from Denver. Camera: Volodymyr Petruniv.
The U.S. has opened new migrant processing centers in Latin America as part of the Biden administration’s strategy to prevent people from making the dangerous trek north to the U.S.-Mexico border. For VOA, Austin Landis visited the first one to open in Colombia.
An original animated series from Africa has made its debut on the Netflix streaming platform. The series, dubbed "Supa Team 4,” was written by a young Zambian and takes place in a futuristic version of Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka. VOA footage by Richard Kille.
Gotion Inc. is the US subsidiary of a Chinese EV battery maker. It plans to build a plant on a parcel of farmland in Michigan. But that’s dividing local residents. VOA's Carolyn Calla Yu reports from Green Charter Township, Michigan. Camera: Songlin Zhang, Contributor: Bo Gu
Allegations of crimes against humanity continue to surface from Western Darfur. In one refugee camp, on Chad's border with Sudan, VOA spoke to widows who claim ethnic militias are targeting men for ethnic cleansing. (Camera and Produced by: Henry Wilkins)
Hōkūle'a, a traditional Polynesian deep-sea canoe, is on a four-year-long voyage around the Pacific Ocean to raise awareness about climate change. During its stop in the U.S. state of Washington, local Native American tribes welcomed members of the crew. Natasha Mozgovaya has the story from Seattle. (Camera: Natasha Mozgovaya; Produced by: Natasha Mozgovaya, Jason Godman)
People across Pakistan are hailing local zipline expert and volunteer rescuer Sahib Khan for saving school children trapped in a cable car over a ravine in the mountainous Allai valley region of northern Pakistan. Over generations, Sahib Khan's family has built a reputation as lifesavers. Ihsan Muhammad Khan reports from Pakistan
In July, India banned exports of non-basmati rice to keep prices low at home. But that ban is causing problems for rice mills in Nigeria. Alhassan Bala reports from Kano, Nigeria.
President Joe Biden met with Costa Rica’s leader Tuesday to talk about challenges near and far, including the toll that irregular migration is taking on the small Central American nation and the challenges posed by China’s global ambitions — which rely on technology fueled by semiconductors. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Historic rivals Greece and Turkey are stepping up efforts to improve ties after the two countries’ leaders received strong election mandates this year. Next week, Turkish and Greek foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Turkey, but analysts warn substantial obstacles remain between the neighbors. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
When the Taliban retook control of Kabul, Afghanistan’s only unit of female commandos was left with a target on their backs. Nearly 40 were evacuated and as their legal statuses remain in limbo, a group called Command Purpose is using art to help release the trauma of the past while supporting their futures. Carla Babb reports. Camera: Henry Hernandez, Command Purpose
Christians in Pakistan, a Muslim majority country, often face discrimination. Sister Zeph was in seventh grade when poor treatment from teachers forced her to quit school. She went on to educate herself and, over the next two decades, provide free education to several hundred poor Christian and Muslim children in her community. VOA's Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman brings this story of resilience. Camera — Wajid Asad
The tech industry is rushing to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, and AI hackathons — daylong collaborations using the technology to tackle real-world problems — are increasing in popularity. From the state of Washington, Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
African women are looking for different ways to style their hair, particularly to reduce the use of harsh chemicals that can have adverse health effects. One option is synthetic hair. While no apparent health issues are associated with its use, disposing of it raises environmental concerns. As Juma Majanga reports, women in Kenya’s Kisumu County have found a clever way of recycling it. Camera — Amos Wangwa
Ever since American Glenna Manchego joined the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine in April 2022, she has been risking her life to help Ukrainians. Manchego is a trained paramedic who traveled to Ukraine soon after Russia’s invasion. Anna Kosstutschenko met with her just a few kilometers from the front line. Camera - Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Every 30 seconds, someone in the world has a limb amputated because of a diabetic wound. University researchers in California are developing a "smart" bandage that they hope will change that grim statistic. For VOA, Genia Dulot has our report.
A federal judge has set the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump for next March, on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. This puts the historic trial right in the middle of the 2024 presidential campaign, with Trump the front-runner among Republican candidates. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Facing surveillance, internment and repression at home, thousands of China's Uyghur population have fled abroad. But even outside of China, many find that they are not safe. VOA examines how the Chinese government uses diplomacy, economic pressure and even international institutions to extend its reach and pursue political enemies far beyond its borders.
In the last two months, intense rains have triggered landslides and flash floods and caused widespread havoc in India’s Himalayan region. A recent study points to one cause – shifting weather patterns that are bringing more rain instead of snow to mountainous regions in the northern hemisphere. It says the Himalayas are more vulnerable to the changing climate. Anjana Pasricha has a report on villages impacted by the devastation. (Camera: Rakesh Kumar)
Legislation recently proposed in Kenya’s parliament would provide a framework for reducing carbon emissions by buying and selling carbon credits locally. Victoria Amunga reports on one Kenya manufacturer who is making cooking stoves designed to lower emissions. Camera and edit: Jimmy Makhulo
In July, the International Criminal Court said it would investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, the burning of homes and markets, and looting in Sudan's Darfur region. In this report from Adre, Chad, near the border with Sudan, reporter Henry Wilkins meets a refugee and human rights activist recording the alleged atrocities and speaks to those who have escaped Darfur as Sudan’s war escalates.
Farmers evicted from a south-central Los Angeles community garden in 2006 are continuing to help people grow their own food in California’s Central Valley. Genia Dulot has our story on a farming program helping underserved communities with fresh and affordable produce.
In the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump’s electability is again being questioned after he surrendered to authorities in Georgia in an election-fraud case last week. National polls still show Trump leading his fellow Republican party presidential hopefuls by a large margin. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's age remains a concern among Democrats. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Russia says the remains of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, were confirmed among the dead from a fatal plane crash last week in Russia. The country’s Investigative Committee said genetic testing verified his identity. The crash of the private jet came two months after Prigozhin led a failed uprising against the Kremlin. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Ours is a world of older adults, living longer and doing more in their advanced years. Many politicians are staying in office well past typical retirement ages. With the United States facing two of the country’s oldest front-runners for president, VOA’s Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti explores the ages of current world leaders.
The number of tourists visiting China is a small fraction of the figures reached before the coronavirus pandemic, despite the fact that the country fully opened to foreign visitors in March. Henry Ridgwell reports from London on why vacationers are reluctant to return.
Hundreds of young African leaders are heading home after studying in the U.S., hoping to help their own communities when they return. Members of the Mandela Washington Fellowship through the Young African Leaders Initiative say they hope to inspire change. VOA’s Anthony LaBruto reports.
With White House funding to help get more electric cars on the road, some states are creating local rules to get top technologies into their charging stations. Deana Mitchell has the story.
Ukrainian soldier Ilya Mikhalchuk was wounded near Bakhmut and captured by Wagner Group mercenaries in February. He had both arms amputated while in captivity and was released in April. Thanks to volunteers, he is now in the U.S. getting prostheses. Iryna Shynkarenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
VOA Connect Episode 293 - A look at different programs designed to help people with a disability.
We visit ‘Our Stomping Ground', a space for individuals with a disability to live independent lives in integrated, supportive communities. Producer: Marsha James, Camera | Editor: Philip Alexiou
When his personal life was touched by autism, Jonathan made a career change and co-founded, Foundry Learning Center. The center is an alternative education day program serving students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jonathan also launched the Autism Transit Project, where autistic kids write and record subway announcements to be played as part of Autism Awareness Month. . Camera | Editor: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin
Find out why Mt. Major is one of the most popular peaks within the White Mountains located in Alton, New Hampshire. Camera | Editor: Linus Manchester
An anti-corruption crusader has upset Guatemala’s political establishment, winning the country’s closely observed presidential runoff this month. For many Guatemalans, the win signals a positive change. Verónica Villafañe narrates this report from Eugenia Sagastume in Guatemala City.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in a Fulton County, Georgia, court Thursday to 41 charges accusing him and 18 co-defendants of participating in schemes to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election results. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Vote counting has started in Zimbabwe after a general election Wednesday that was marred by delays at polling stations and ballot paper shortages. Rights groups and observers have expressed concerns about the electoral process. Columbus Mavhunga files this report from Harare, where the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission extended voting an additional day in some places. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
On Thursday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Russian mercenary organization known as the Wagner Group. Prigozhin was on the passenger manifest of the plane that crashed northwest of Moscow on Wednesday. Anna Rice has the story. Contributor: Lilily Anisimova.
Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, faces one of its worst droughts and now record-high temperatures, blamed on climate change. With many of the city's reservoirs nearly empty, experts warn Istanbul could face water shortages in just weeks if more rain doesn’t come. Dorian Jones reports.
A Kenyan innovator is recycling fish skin into leather clothes through a process known as fish skin tanning. As Juma Majanga reports from Kisumu, Kenya, Newton Owino’s enterprise also aims to sustainably manage waste emanating from the fish-filleting industries along the Lake Victoria coast.
Sanctions imposed on Niger following the July military coup there have resulted in rising food prices across West Africa, as well as worries that the Niger situation could spiral out of control. Senanu Tord reports from Accra, Ghana.
On Wednesday, India became the first country to put an unmanned lander and robotic probe on the moon’s south pole. Experts say the mission marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to emerge on the front lines of space exploration. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi.
Slower than expected but still moving forward, frontline soldiers say the Russian defenses are fierce in southern Ukraine as they take villages after brutal fights. From Makarivka, a recently re-captured village in Ukraine, VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with Videographer Yan Boechat.
A husband and wife who were farmers in their native Nigeria have turned the skills they learned there into a thriving small business in the U.S. state of Maryland. VOA’s Thierry Kaore has the story from their farm in Brookeville, Maryland, narrated by Salem Solomon
Zimbabwe’s election on Wednesday was marred by massive delays and shortages of ballot papers that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission blamed on legal problems it had faced ahead of the polls. At some polling stations, voting was extended for another day. Columbus Mavhunga has the story from the capital, Harare, where both main presidential candidates are hopeful of victory. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
In South Korea, ordinary citizens took part in defensive training for the first time in years, joining U.S. and South Korean forces amid growing provocations from North Korea. VOA’s Eunice Kim takes us there.
Research shows that prolonged exposure to high levels of noise may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In New York City, not only the largest U.S. city by population but also one of the loudest, avoiding noise can be an everyday struggle. Aron Ranen has the story from the Big Apple.
More than 200,000 refugees fleeing Sudan’s civil war have arrived in the town of Adre, Chad, since the middle of June. Before the crisis, the town had a recorded population of just 40,000. In this report, Henry Wilkins asks Adre residents and newly arrived refugees what they are doing to help the influx of new residents.
The staff and owners of a newspaper in the Midwestern state of Kansas have had their equipment returned and the search warrant withdrawn after a controversial police raid. But Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer blames the raid for the death of his mother, who co-owned the newspaper, and says he will pursue legal action. For VOA’s Liam Scott in Marion, Kansas, Jessica Jerreat has the story. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam.
In 2023, a new way to use AI has come online. Some companies are using the tool to make lifelike avatars of people, even those who have died. Maxim Moskalkov reports. Camera: Andrey Degtyarev.
The United States, Japan and South Korea agreed to deepen military cooperation and condemned China’s “dangerous and aggressive behavior” in the South China Sea following a trilateral summit last week. China has dramatically increased military activity around Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, prompting fears that it could launch an invasion. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo, Japan and the United States are boosting military coordination and capabilities as tensions rise in the region.
Voting began in Zimbabwe Wednesday morning amid reports of massive delays that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission blamed on what it calls “logistical problems.” Columbus Mavhunga files this report from the capital, Harare, where both main presidential candidates are hopeful of victory. VOA footage by Blessing Chigwenhembe.
According to a new study released in July by the Mozambique National Institute of Statistics, four in ten females were married before age 18. The illegal practice is hard to stop and dangerous for those who try to escape their situation. Andre Baptista has this story, narrated by Barbara Santos.
Zimbabwe holds general elections on Wednesday, August 23, with just one woman presidential candidate out of 11 contenders. While the number of women running for parliamentary and council seats has improved, gender activists say more work is needed when just one woman is running for the nation’s highest office. Columbus Mavhunga files this report from Harare. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Activists warn a deal between Tunisia and Libya to share responsibility for hundreds of sub-Saharan African migrants once stranded on their shared border risks migrants’ rights and doesn’t solve the core problem. It also raises fresh concerns about Tunisia, where Black migrants have faced a surge of racist attacks. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from Tunis, Tunisia.
The recent arrest and conviction of a Malian TikTok influencer and other critics of Mali’s military government have raised concerns among human rights activists about what they say is a crackdown on the government’s political opponents and the suppression of press freedoms since the junta took power. A VOA reporter talked to human rights workers in Mali’s capital, Bamako, who say the trend is worrying and likely to continue under military rule across the Sahel.
Drone photographers and videographers from around the world submitted more than 65,000 pieces of work in an annual online competition. VOA’s Julie Taboh highlights some of the winning entries.
Firefighters all over Ukraine are stretched to the limit due to Russia's war on their homeland. This year, the firefighters made contacts in the U.S. and Europe that are providing support to help them save lives in Ukraine. Anna Kosstutschenko reports from Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Produced by: Pavel Suhodolskiy
As part of a five-year plan to develop East Jerusalem, Israel has opened a high-tech hub that aims to boost employment for Palestinians. It is the first step in a larger program to turn East Jerusalem into a local version of California’s Silicon Valley. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
Ukraine's president has described the decision by the Netherlands and Denmark to supply his country with F-16 fighter jets as "historic and inspiring." The Western allies will supply dozens of the technically advanced jets after Washington's approval. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
A summer heat wave is increasing the risk of wildfires in California, and state officials are considering various methods to prevent them, including using artificial intelligence and goats. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
As Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive in the south, Russian forces are pummeling the city of Kupiansk in the northeast. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with videographer Yan Boechat from a city under attack as families evacuate and soldiers prepare for battle.
Despite some post-pandemic progress, closing global gender gaps in economic participation could take over 130 years, an APEC official says. Participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and the Economy Forum in Seattle also raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on young women. Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
In interviews with VOA, medical aid groups are calling on Sudan’s government to cut through bureaucracy and allow them to get vital medical supplies to hospitals in the war-torn country. In this report from Renk, South Sudan, close to the Sudan border, Henry Wilkins also speaks to nonprofit staff who say they are detecting a measles outbreak in new arrivals, which Sudan no longer has the lab capacity to detect itself.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are scheduled to visit Maui Monday to assess the impact of wildfires that reduced parts of Hawaii's second largest island to smoldering ash. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more on the devastation and how some residents are coping.
Authorities in Pakistan have arrested at least 170 people after a mob of Muslims attacked churches and homes belonging to the Christian community in the city of Jaranwala in the most populous province Punjab. The attack came as allegations of desecration of the Quran by two Christian men emerged Wednesday, August 16. Police have arrested the two accused. But as residents return to scenes of devastation and authorities ramp up efforts to return normalcy, some victims of the attacks say they may never feel safe again. VOA’s Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports from Jaranwala. (Camera: Wajid Asad, Produced by Malik Waqar Ahmed)
Leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea wrapped up their Friday summit at Camp David, cementing a newly established trilateral partnership with a pledge for a unified trilateral response during a regional crisis. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Human rights in North Korea and gang violence in Haiti. VOA correspondent Margaret Besheer has more on the top stories this week at the United Nations.
VOA Connect Episode 292 - A look at how artists are using a variety of materials to express themselves in different ways.
We head to Coachella Valley in Southern California, where artists from all over the world gather to create art within the desert landscape for an exhibit called Desert X. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
This week we go to Lake Accotink in Springfield, Virginia to visit Canadian Geese at a reservoir. Producer | Camera | Editor: Philip Alexiou
After a series of attacks on Ukrainian ports, residents say they feel the country’s now-defunct grain deal with Russia allowed them a modicum of protection, which is also now lost. Port officials say they are working to expand alternative routes where they may, at best, only export roughly a third of the agricultural goods they did before the war. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with videographer Yan Boechat from Odesa, Ukraine.
With warming ocean waters threatening much of the world’s coral reefs, some ecologists are using simple technology to help restore them. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
Comic books can be a great way to help people work through emotional trauma. For VOA, Genia Dulot reports on comics that encourage children and adults to share their feelings and address issues of mental health
The assassination in Ecuador of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has sent shockwaves through the nation, just ahead of elections on Sunday. The government's response includes a state of emergency and murder investigation amid a general escalation of violence. Veronica Villafañe narrates this story for Néstor Aguilera from Quito, Ecuador. Camera: Nestor Aguilera and Juan Carlos Játiva
A Kansas prosecutor’s office says it has found insufficient evidence to support a police raid on the weekly newspaper Marion County Record. The raid has alarmed U.S. media advocates and caught the attention of the White House. VOA’s Jessica Jerreat reports.
According to the International Labor Organization, small- and medium-sized businesses account for the majority of enterprises and employment in Nigeria. But about 80% of these businesses fail within the first five years. In this report from Abuja, Gibson Emeka explores why these businesses fail and what the Nigerian government is doing to help them achieve long-term success. Amy Katz narrates.
Pollution from discarded plastic, metals and other items is a persistent problem in Nigeria. Some young people are doing what they can to clean up the trash and make strides toward sustainable development. Gibson Emeka has this story from Abuja, Nigeria, narrated by Salem Solomon.
Sudan's conflict has caused prices in the border region of neighboring South Sudan to rise sharply, according to local market traders. Meanwhile, the production and export of South Sudanese oil through Sudan, which the World Bank says makes up 90% of the country’s revenue, is being strangled by the conflict too. Henry Wilkins reports from Renk, South Sudan.
Opinion polls indicate some 54% of Americans disapprove of the job President Joe Biden is doing, and even Democratic Party supporters have expressed concerns about the president’s age. But Biden has no significant Democratic challengers for reelection, making him almost certain to be the Democratic Party nominee. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on why Biden has been mostly unchallenged in his bid for a second term.
With the growing impact of droughts caused by climate change and high food prices exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, food banks are emerging as a growing solution to hunger and poverty in Africa. A non-profit group in Nairobi, Food Banking Kenya, distributed more than 500,000 kilograms of food last year to hungry families. Mohammed Yusuf reports from Nairobi.
Analysts say Sudan’s conflict has reached a stalemate both militarily and diplomatically, with little hope of a swift end to the war. Meanwhile, those arriving in South Sudan having just fled from Khartoum describe a city on the verge of collapse. Henry Wilkins reports from Joda, South Sudan.
Former President Donald Trump says his indictments only improve his standing among his backers as he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. But some polls suggest he would have vulnerabilities going into a general election. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The start of the rainy season in Sudan and neighboring Chad is making it difficult to deliver aid to refugees from Sudan’s war. From Adenour, Chad, Henry Wilkins looks at some of the logistical challenges faced by those trying to deliver aid. Camera: Henry Wilkins.
Amid rising concerns about China and North Korea, President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and South Korea at Camp David on Friday. The summit is expected to result in joint initiatives on defense, technology and economic security. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Trade between Nigeria and Niger has been halted because of sanctions due to Niger's July coup. In Nigeria, officials say they could lose over $200 million in export trade. That’s causing some economic hardship for many communities on the border. Alhassan Bala reports from the border town of Magama Jibia, Nigeria. Camera: Gibson Emeka
When Britain granted India independence in 1947, the subcontinent was divided into two countries along religious lines, triggering an exodus of nearly 12 million people amid carnage and violence across the newly created borders of India and Pakistan. In India, one of the cities that witnessed the influx of tens of thousands of refugees was the capital, Delhi. Anjana Pasricha reports on a new museum in the city that documents the stories and memorabilia of refugees who arrived there. Video: Rakesh Kumar
In Malawi, a southern African nation that criminalizes homosexuality, faith leaders have spoken out against same-sex relations. While parliament recommends a referendum on whether to legalize same-sex marriage, civil society organizations say human rights should not be subject to a popular vote. From the capital, Lilongwe, Chimwemwe Padatha has the story.
Vice President Kamala Harris marked the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act by touting the Biden administration’s commitment to mitigating the climate crisis. Natasha Mozgovaya reports from Seattle.
s a woman and a journalist, Nafisa Sahar saw no future for herself when the Taliban took back power in Afghanistan. Now in Dusseldorf, Germany, she is picking up the pieces of her life. For Helay Asad in Dusseldorf, Bezhan Hamdard has the story for VOA News.
Poland on Tuesday held its largest military parade in 29 years -- a display of strength aimed at neighbors Belarus and Russia and a sign that Polish attitudes on defense are changing in the wake of Russian aggression in Ukraine. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw.
Rashmin Joyenda, an Afghan woman who championed women's freedom and education under the Taliban in Afghanistan, has found asylum in France. After being detained by the Taliban for her protests, she fled her homeland and now speaks out against the regime from Paris. VOA’s Jalal Mirzad has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Camera: VOA Afghan.
More than a decade since her son Austin Tice went missing in Syria, Debra Tice has strong words for President Joe Biden. Her son is one of only two American journalists held overseas. From Washington, VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit reports. Camera: Bruce Ferder.
After a grand jury in the U.S. state of Georgia indicted former President Donald Trump and 18 others in connection with efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, some experts say the nature of the latest charges will give Trump’s co-defendants an added incentive to testify against him. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Camera and contributor: Kane Farabaugh
One year after passing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Joe Biden is in Wisconsin touting the success of his 'Bidenomics.' But despite legislative wins and improving economic indicators, the president is still scoring low in economic performance polls. VOA’s White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Lithuania — a NATO member with a population of nearly 3 million — is beefing up its border security because the presence of Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus has escalated security concerns. VOA Eastern Europe bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from the Lithuania-Belarusian border.
Residents of Hobyo, Somalia, say drifting sandstorms are burying their homes, schools and shops and threatening the existence of the coastal town. Abdulkadir Zubeyr and Abdulaziz Osman have this story, narrated by Salem Solomon.
The music genre hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with events across the United States. A Los Angeles art gallery is showing photographs of hip-hop legends. Genia Dulot visited the gallery and files this report. (Camera: Genia Dulot)
For the deaf-blind person, the combination of vision and hearing loss can make for a confined and isolating existence. A startup in Boston is developing a robot to expand communication and access to information. VOA’s Tina Trinh has more.
Republican candidates are campaigning at the Iowa State Fair to court voters who will be the first in the nation to choose their preference for the party’s presidential nominee in next year’s election. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Iowa.
In Afghanistan's western province of Herat, a woman has established a successful sewing workshop, employing eight other female workers. VOA Afghan Service brings us her story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, many artists fled the country. Young artist Mariam Kawsari says that the return of the Taliban made it difficult for her to express herself. Muska Safi has the story from Islamabad, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Mohammad Siddiq Habibi crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally and now lives without documents, navigating life and work in the U.S. VOA’s Fahim Siddiqi has the story from San Diego, California, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
A police raid on a U.S. newsroom has astounded media advocates who question the legality of the action. Jessica Jerreat has the story, narrated by Amy Katz.
Ukraine’s main port city, Odesa, has been on alert for weeks after attacks on infrastructure critical to the country’s economy and the world’s food supply. But Sunday night, rockets and drones were shot down all over the city, injuring three people, damaging nearly 300 buildings and setting off a new wave of fear in the city. VOA’s Heather Murdock is on the scene in Odesa.
Two-thirds of Americans say their country feels more divided than usual. Voting results show differences are especially pronounced between people living in rural areas and those in urban or suburban areas. In the Pacific Northwest, some rural voters are pushing to leave their state. For VOA, Deborah Bloom reports on the Greater Idaho movement. Produced by: Jason Godman
The word "manga" is used to describe a wide variety of comic books and graphic novels originally produced in Japan. It has long been associated with Asian culture. But new generations of Asian Americans are identifying more with American comic books. Genia Dulot has the report. (Camera: Genia Dulot)
A Georgia prosecutor appears ready to lay her case against former President Donald Trump in front of a grand jury this week. Despite tight security measures, some officials are concerned that violence could accompany a potential fourth indictment of Trump over election interference. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Before COVID-19, Chinese investors turned Cambodia's sleepy seaside city of Sihanoukville into a ‘round-the-clock gambling hotspot. But China’s economy has been grappling with a post-pandemic slowdown, and now the buildings by the beach — abandoned by Chinese investors — have become eyesores. More on this from Hul Reaksmey in Sihanoukville. Camera: Pin Sisovann.
Hundreds of young Afghans are choosing to make the treacherous journey to Iran, hoping to reach Europe. They say they are fleeing Afghanistan because there are no job opportunities for them. VOA’s Afghan Service has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Camera: VOA Afghan
Despite U.S. efforts to curb migration, the flow of migrants at Mexico's northern border continues. But it’s not just people from Central and South American nations. Veronica Villafane narrates this story by Vicente Calderon in Tijuana and Victor Hugo Castillo in Reynosa. Camera: Vicente Calderon and Victor Hugo Castillo.
The attempted coup in Niger, the war in Sudan, aid for Syrians. VOA correspondent Margaret Besheer has more on the top stories this week at the United Nations.
VOA Connect Episode 291- We visit Palm Springs to see a collection of mid-century modern architecture and how it has been integrated into the desert surroundings and the lifestyles of those who live there.
Come visit the mid-century houses in Palm Springs, California. Find out about the construction used in crafting them and how the outdoors is brought inside them. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
A look at the history, significance, and societal impact of two very popular mid-century masterpieces: Sunnylands and Temple Isaiah. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
Two LGBTQ couples show us their mid-century modern houses in Palm Springs and share their love for this style of architecture and design. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
This week we head to Alaska, where we encounter and interact with moose. Producer | Camera | Editor: Gabrielle Weiss
Ambassador Joseph Yun talks with Jessica Stone of VOA about new U.S. security guarantees for three Pacific island states.
It’s been just over nine years since the Islamic State group’s genocidal attack on Yazidi religious minority in Northern Iraq. Speaking to VOA from a camp for internally displaced persons in the Kurdistan Region, some survivors say they are still waiting for word about loved ones kidnapped by IS. Kawa Omar has more from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in this report narrated by Rikar Hussein.
With the Taliban maintaining their hold on power and media jobs becoming more scarce, some reporters in Afghanistan are turning to other work, such as taxi driving, to support their families. For VOA’s Afghan service, Bezhan Hamdard has the story.
Current and former members of the U.S. military and their families can shop at special grocery stores called commissaries. There are about 240 of these supermarkets on military bases in the U.S. and abroad. Iryna Shynkarenko visited one commissary on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall base in Arlington, Virginia. Anna Rice narrates the story. Video: Oleksii Osyka
After ruling for 38 years, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen is transferring power to his son Hun Manet. The heir is expected to be confirmed by the National Assembly on August 22. He’s inheriting a changing nation. VOA’s Chetra Chap reports.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Iran from Evin Prison to house arrest is a positive first step, but work remains to be done for them to be returned to the United States safely. Experts welcome the release of long-held U.S. citizens from the notorious prison, but some say the deal that would include making $6 billion in Iranian funds more accessible to Tehran sets a bad precedent that could encourage other countries to take Americans hostage. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
An American woman and her daughter have been released 13 days after they were kidnapped in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Gangs have kidnapped hundreds of people, mostly Haitians, since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. As VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, Haitians are taking to the streets to demand aid, and Kenya is considering sending a multinational force. Camera: Matiado Vilme
They are talented, smart, and ambitious, and live in the middle of a war. But 84 Ukrainian high school students aren’t letting the war short circuit their dreams and are preparing to apply to top U.S. colleges and boarding schools with the help of a non-profit group. VOA’s Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw.
The historic charges facing a former president, his alleged attempt to overturn a presidential election, and the political implications. This week on The Inside Story, Trump in Court
Japan is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in its defense program over the next four years in response to China’s growing militarization in the East China Sea. But as Henry Ridgwell reports from Toyko, the government is struggling to persuade some of Japan’s best known technological and industrial giants to produce more weapons, along with all of the consumer products they manufacture.
Pakistan's parliament dissolved Wednesday, three days before its tenure was officially to end. It was the third consecutive parliament in the country's 76-year history to complete its term, but some say the military continues to be the center of power. Voice of America's Sarah Zaman reports.
When faced with the task of painting a giant mural at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, artist Esmeralda Vasquez found it was best not to do it alone. More than 160 volunteers helped out, as reported in this story by VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya.
From the time he spent in a Vietnamese prison to his life in exile in Los Angeles, Nguyen Van Hai, who blogged under the name Dieu Cay, has refused to be silenced in his fight for a free press. For Titi Tran in Los Angeles, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. Camera: Paulo Martinez, Video edit: Cristina Caicedo Smit
Amid the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, aid donors have provided some $1.5 billion in assistance. Nonprofit groups working in the conflict areas say that funding is inadequate, and the shortfall is causing major challenges. Meanwhile, those fleeing Sudan say the humanitarian response in neighboring countries is so bad they are returning home. Reporter Henry Wilkins looks at why this is happening.
Paris' escape from record temperatures gripping parts of Europe this summer could be a short-term reprieve. A study finds the city could have the most heatwave-related deaths of any European capital by 2050 — when temperatures may soar to 50 C (122 F). For VOA, Lisa Bryant has more from Paris.
The Kenyan government is creating shelters for survivors of human trafficking. Authorities say the goal is to help victims recover from their traumatic experiences, rebuild their lives and prosecute human traffickers. For VOA, Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai, a front-runner in the island’s 2024 presidential elections, will land Saturday in New York on his way to Paraguay. VOA’s Nike Ching reports on the latest U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan, and the expected trip to Washington by China's foreign minister next month.
Russia’s exit from the Black Sea grain deal is affecting Nigeria’s effort to become self-reliant in wheat production. The country was already facing production challenges because of climate change and insecurity. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Many American states permit cameras to televise courtroom proceedings, but federal courts do not. Some U.S. lawmakers are trying to change that rule for the expected federal trials of former President Donald Trump. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
In the early days of the United States, a candidate’s charisma did not matter as much in a presidential election. But in the era of electronic and social media, a candidate’s ability to individually connect with voters could determine whether he or she sits in the Oval Office. The story, from VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House.
U.S. President Joe Biden was in Arizona Tuesday to mark the creation of a new national monument near the Grand Canyon to protect more than 4,000 square kilometers of land sacred to Native Americans. Matt Dibble has the story.
Geopolitical events such as war or the dissolution of a government, like the collapse of the Soviet Union, can leave people without a country. In the U.S. more than 200,000 people are living in a stateless status. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
Japan is due to start releasing wastewater used to cool the crippled reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant as soon as the end of August. China has criticized the planned release and imposed restrictions on Japanese seafood — prompting accusations of hypocrisy, as Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo.
U.S. police reform advocates have long argued that police-worn body cameras will help reduce officers' excessive use of force and work to build public trust. But the millions of hours of footage that so-called "body cams" generate are difficult for police supervisors to monitor. As Shelley Schlender explains, artificial intelligence may help.
Watching news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, U.S. comic book editor Scott Dunbier felt compelled to help. He reached out to comic book professionals to create "Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds" to raise funds to provide emergency supplies and services to Ukrainians. Genia Dulot has this report.
Kenyan authorities have exhumed more than 400 bodies from shallow graves linked to a cult whose leader is accused of asking his followers to starve themselves. The tragedy has sparked debate in Kenya about how to protect both religious freedom and the lives of worshippers. Francis Ontomwa has more from Nairobi. (Camera: Amos Wangwa)
Washington is closely watching Niger’s coup leaders after they chose not to meet a Sunday deadline to return the elected president to power, and after regional powers failed to act on their threat of military action. Meanwhile, the U.S. has paused aid to the impoverished West African nation. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington on what’s next for Niger.
U.S. Department of the Interior officials are visiting Native American communities to learn about the impact of government-run residential schools on former students and their families. The institutions once suppressed Native cultures, but the few schools that remain now celebrate them. Mike O’Sullivan reports from Riverside, California.
At least one local bookstore in Washington says people want to read more about Ukraine. Such interest rose dramatically after the start of Russia’s invasion and hasn’t faded, they add. Iryna Shynkarenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Oleksii Osyka, Contributor: Iryna Matviichuk
Hundreds of volunteers are fighting illiteracy in the province of Manica, in Mozambique. They are creating reading camps that teach children to read in Portuguese. Andre Baptista reports, in this story narrated by Barbara Santos.
Japan is this week marking the anniversaries of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and brought an end to World War II. Japan’s postwar constitution curtailed its armed forces and renounced war as a right of the nation. But as Henry Ridgwell reports from Hiroshima, growing threats from neighboring China and North Korea have a prompted a radical change of course.
It’s all about speed and skill — in the air and on the water. In Seattle, the annual Seafair summer festival concluded with Coast Guard rescue operation demonstrations, U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ aerobatics and the fastest hydroplanes in the world racing for the Gold Cup. Natasha Mozgovaya reports from Lake Washington.
Members of former President Donald Trump’s legal team say they will oppose federal prosecutors’ requests to limit what they share publicly about Trump’s latest indictment. The case appears to be growing thornier, but global reactions are coming in slowly. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias talked to political analysts as to why that might be.
Nigeria’s unreliable power grid is not only slowing down the country’s economic growth, but health workers say it can lead to unwanted hospital shutdowns at night. But one startup is giving hospitals hope. Alhassan Bala has this report, narrated by Haruna Shehu.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested in Lahore Saturday after a lower court in the capital, Islamabad, convicted him of corruption. The decision, unless overturned, disqualifies him from running for office in upcoming elections. VOA Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman reports.
Record-breaking heat in Texas is driving record-breaking energy demand as Texans crank up the air conditioning to stay cool. But in the top oil- and gas-producing state in the United States, it's solar power that's beating the heat. That's good news for climate change. The state is meeting its growing demand for electricity without burning more fossil fuels, which would make things worse. Steve Baragona has more.
Tensions are high along the Poland-Belarus border after two Belarusian helicopters entered Polish air space. Poland’s army has moved additional troops and combat helicopters close to the border and there is increasing talk about the possibility of military incursion. Eastern Europe chief Myroslava Gongadze traveled to the border and has this report. Camera: Daniil Bratushchak
A film taking place during Russia's war on Ukraine was recently screened before the U.S. Congress. It tells the story of two Ukrainian teens who were forcibly transferred to a Russian-occupied territory. Andriy Borys has this report, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Viacheslav Filiushkin
As China’s investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa grow, young Arabs' views of the Asian country are changing in that region, as are their views of the United States. Graham Kanwit has more on this story.
The regional economic forum APEC has begun hosting senior official and ministerial meetings in Seattle, Washington. This year, the United States will host the annual gathering as it navigates a range of complex topics and diplomatic challenges. Natasha Mozgovaya attended a ministerial on food security Thursday and has this report.
VOA Connect Episode 290 - Different ways dogs are providing assistance to those in need.
The demand for service dogs to assist people with special needs is growing in the U.S. We pay a visit to Heeling House, a non-profit organization dedicated to training psychiatric and mobility dogs. Producer | Camera | Editor: Jeff Swicord
Deborah Wydra has been raising service dogs since she was in high school. She introduces us to Ike, the puppy she is training now. We see how formal training begins as well the special bond that is formed between dogs and their trainers. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera | Editor: Lisa Vohra
This week we take a trip to a dairy farm in Knoxville, Maryland, where we see its cows grazing, playing and being milked.
Former US President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to four charges of criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. VOA’s congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from the courthouse. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out Russia Thursday at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council for the effect its invasion of Ukraine is having on global hunger. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Republican lawmakers are ramping up investigations of Hunter Biden and seeking to equate the legal woes of the president’s son to those of former President Donald Trump, who is accused to trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. VOA’s White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the latest.
Hundreds of migrants are outside of the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in New York City. The hotel operates as the migrant processing center for city shelters. But the shelters are full and migrants are sleeping on sidewalks as they wait for help. Evgeny Maslov has the story narrated by Anna Rice.
Brace yourselves as we dive into the scorching events that unfolded in July and explore the potential repercussions that lie ahead. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, climate change and geopolitical tensions collide.
Mexican officials met Tuesday with U.S. and Canadian officials in Mexico to talk about combating the trafficking of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. To get a better understanding of the problem, VOA visited addicts and a counselor from a harm reduction center in Washington. Júlia Riera has the story.
The White House says it’s closely watching a coup in Niger, as the US Embassy prepares to evacuate staff from the West African nation. With the coup plotters staring down a Sunday deadline to reinstate the deposed democratically elected president, analysts say Moscow and Beijing are also monitoring Niamey – and looking for opportunities to widen their influence. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
The Biden administration has recently been emphasizing the strength of the U.S. economy, but some small business owners remain skeptical. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias visited their shops and found out more about their economic struggles, ahead of election season.
Pakistan and China are celebrating as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the centerpiece of Beijing’s global Belt and Road initiative, completes 10 years. The investment project has grown to over $60 billion and provided Pakistan with crucial infrastructure, but it also has added to the country's ballooning debt. VOA’s Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports. (Produced by Malik Waqar Ahmed, Jon Spier)
Much attention has been given to fighting in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and its troubled Darfur region; however, the Kordofan area, on the border with South Sudan, has also been seeing intense clashes. Thousands of people in the area have fled to South Sudan, as fatalities due to the conflict increase. Henry Wilkins looks at this new front in this report from Renk, South Sudan
Accounts of journalists being harassed, attacked or denied access while covering Zimbabwe’s general elections are worrying media analysts. From Harare, Zimbabwe, Columbus Mavhunga has the story for VOA.
When Russia left the Black Sea grain deal in July, it began to continuously shell the port city of Odesa. For Ukrainian farmers working there, it was just another challenge as they try to make a living during wartime. Anna Kosstutschenko has more from the Kyiv region. Camera, edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
In India’s remote state of Manipur, three months of unrest has led to a deep ethnic divide. As questions are raised about why Manipur continues to remain a conflict zone, the issue has also become a political flashpoint. Anjana Pasricha has this report.
Legal jeopardy for Donald Trump is growing after a federal grand jury in Washington indicted the former U.S. president, accusing him of illegally trying to upend his 2020 election loss to retain power. VOA's Michael Brown reports.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump continues to defy expectations as he surges ahead of other Republican contenders for the presidential nomination despite multiple indictments against him — and with words of support from some of his own rivals. As he was indicted again Tuesday over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, VOA’s Anita Powell looks at the unprecedented path of the former president.
The French and Japanese air forces completed four days of aerial combat exercises in Japan Saturday, the first of their kind between the two allies. But even as Paris seeks to build its military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, its government blocked proposals to open a NATO liaison office in Tokyo. Henry Ridgwell reports from Japan.
Syrian refugees in Somalia haven't given up on their dreams to return home, as they struggle as refugees in Somalia. Abdulkadir Zubeyr has more from Mogadishu in this report narrated by Salem Solomon. Sirwan Kajjo contributed to this report. Produced by: Bakhtiyar Zamanov
The fallout from the new law that limits the power of the Israeli judiciary is already being felt. Thousands of Israelis say they will leave the country, thousands of reservists say they will no longer serve, and investors are losing faith in the Israeli economy. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, more than 17,000 Ukrainian refugees have moved to the Los Angeles area. Olena Kochetkova fled after a rocket strike killed her husband in their Mariupol bakery. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska has the story of how one new business has helped other immigrants along the way.
The commission that enforces U.S. election rules will not be regulating AI-generated deepfakes in political advertising ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Deana Mitchell has our story.
Protesters have taken to the streets as Thailand's pro-democracy coalition struggles to form a government despite winning nearly three quarters of the vote in the May general election. As Vijitra Duangdee reports from Bangkok, conservative parties are using their constitutional powers to turn the tables back in their favor. (Camera: Black Squirrel Productions)
Across the scenic Himalayan slopes in India, tourism is booming, bringing economic prosperity to many. But it also has brought tons of trash, prompting scores of volunteers to organize clean-up drives. Anjana Pasricha speaks to a group in the northern hill town of Dharamshala that hopes to raise awareness about preserving the environment while cleaning it up. Camera: Rakesh Kumar.
The use of artificial intelligence has become a focal point in the Hollywood strikes. Studios say they have offered fair protections and compensation where the new technology is used, but actors and writers have reservations. Genia Dulot has this report.
For thousands of years, canoes were the primary means of travel for the Native Americans known as the Coast Salish peoples. Tribal Canoe Journey, an event celebrating indigenous tribes of the West Coast, is back after a pandemic hiatus. Natasha Mozgovaya has more. Camera: Natasha Mozgovaya.
Cameroon's separatist conflict, now in its sixth year, has left thousands of people dead while an estimated 2 million survivors struggle with emotional wounds. In Bafoussam, the capital of Cameroon's West Region, a trauma healing center is overwhelmed with requests for help. Anne Nzouankeu has the story, narrated by Moki Edwin Kindzeka.
The United Nations says 19,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have fled to South Sudan since Sudan's military and paramilitary started fighting on April 15, and that those numbers are expected to more than double by the end of the year. Refugees and aid workers describe the challenges they're facing in this report by Henry Wilkins from Renk, South Sudan.
As new criminal charges were announced against him, former President Donald Trump again downplayed the indictments he faces. Separately, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is also dealing with legal woes that are putting the president himself under some Republican scrutiny. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story.
In the United States, nearly 200 million people were recently under a heat advisory or flood warning. Meanwhile, parts of India are underwater, and in Afghanistan, water is in short supply amid a heat wave. Climate scientists warn this could be the new normal. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
There has been a steady decline in the number of AM radio stations in the United States. Over the decades, urban and mainstream broadcasters have moved to the FM band, which has better audio fidelity, although more limited range. Now, there is a new threat to the remaining AM stations. Some automakers want to kick AM off their dashboard radios, deeming it obsolete. VOA’s chief national correspondent, Steve Herman, in the state of Texas, has been tuning in to some traditional rural stations, as well as those broadcasting in languages others than English in the big cities. Camera - Steve Herman and Jonathan Zizzo.
Former President Donald Trump was charged Thursday with illegally retaining a classified document detailing an operational U.S. military plan of attack on Iran, and with two counts of attempting to “alter, destroy, mutilate or conceal evidence” during the investigation into the classified documents he took to his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The European Union allowed the free trade of Ukrainian crops after Russia invaded. The glut that resulted prompted some EU members to impose a ban on sales, which threatens the flow of the grain to world markets. VOA's Myroslava Gongadze reports from Warsaw, Poland. VOA footage by Daniil Batushchak
Seven leading tech companies recently agreed to abide by a request from President Joe Biden to develop their artificial intelligence technologies in a safe and transparent way. But are their promises realistic? VOA’s Julie Taboh reports.
This week President Joe Biden announced additional measures to protect communities from extreme heat that has hit parts of the United States. In Los Angeles, authorities are coping as best they can and trying some innovative ways to beat the heat. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian
VOA Connect Episode 289 - In the aftermath of a devastating typhoon, the village of Newtok is in urgent need of relocating its remaining residents to the new village of Mertarvik. But the pace of new construction is lagging behind the erosion, posing a significant challenge. Camera | Producer | Editor: Gabrielle Weiss
This week we explore the waterfalls and sights at Great Falls Park in Virginia. Camera | Editor: Philip Alexiou
A Pakistani journalist forced to flee for his own safety now runs a club for fellow exiles in France. They meet to exchange ideas and share their stories with locals. For VOA, Henry Ridgwell has the story of Taha Siddiqui. Video: Vahid Karami
From the time he spent in a Vietnamese prison to his life in exile in Los Angeles, Nguyen Van Hai, who blogged under the name Dieu Cay, has refused to be silenced in his fight for a free press. For Titi Tran in Los Angeles, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. Video: Paulo Martinez
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian doctors have been seeing more abdominal cavity wounds in military and civilian patients. Some U.S. doctors are stepping in to help their Ukrainian colleagues treat these wartime injuries. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Camera and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are visiting Pacific Island nations this week and will meet with their Australian counterparts in Brisbane on Saturday to discuss economic and security issues. The US focus on the greater Indo-Pacific region comes as China's influence in the region grows. Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Nigeria just finished a weeklong campaign against human trafficking to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is July 30. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime says Nigeria is a major source, transit and destination country in Africa for human trafficking but has a poor conviction rate for those responsible. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.
U.S. officials say the removal of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will not slow efforts to improve dialogue between the two countries, even as the U.S. Congress advances legislation that slows US investment in Chinese technology. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson wraps up the week in U.S.-China news.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan say they are fearing a new crackdown after Pakistani officials blamed Afghans earlier this month for a string of attacks on security forces. From Peshawar, Pakistan, Khudai Noor Nasar has the story, narrated by Roshan Noorzai.
A federal judge this week blocked a Biden administration rule that penalizes migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first seeking asylum from a country they have traveled through. From the border city El Paso, Texas, Cesar Contreras has the story, narrated by Verónica Villafañe.
We breakdown the many threats journalism faces across the globe. Find out what the new Barbie movie has to do with censorship in Vietnam and listen to the stories of journalists around the world fighting for press freedom. This week on The Inside Story, Barbie, Bloggers, and Bans.
Economists in Zimbabwe say the government is artificially manipulating the country's sinking currency in a bid to secure victory in next month’s general elections. Inflation and the weakness of the Zimbabwean dollar have become issues in the election, with the main opposition party saying it will abandon the currency if voted into office. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe .
Environmental and climate activists across Nigeria are joining forces with others worldwide in the fight to combat climate change. Gibson Emeka has this story from Abuja, Nigeria. Narrated by Salem Solomon.
Russia is hosting a summit of African countries as world tensions grow due to the increase in food prices following Moscow's withdrawal from the grain shipment agreements signed with Ukraine and Turkey. In hosting the two-day gathering that began on Thursday, Russia is seeking to cast its image as a partner of the African continent. Marcus Harton narrates this report from the VOA Moscow Bureau. Camera: Ricardo Marquina
An effort by New York City officials to reduce congestion and auto emissions has created tension with their neighbors in New Jersey. Nina Vishneva has more on New York’s proposed congestion pricing in this story narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Olga Terekhin and Vladimir Badikov .
As part of the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative, or YALI, a cohort of 23 young leaders from 18 sub-Saharan African countries embarked on a visit to an agricultural farm in Maryland. VOA’s Lionel Gahima and Eric Manirakiza, who is no relation to the farm owner, met with some of them and have this story, narrated by Lionel Gahima. Video: Lionel Gahima
Many refugees living in Nairobi speak neither English nor Swahili, the two most common tongues in Kenya. This language barrier poses a challenge as they try to integrate into society. Hubbah Abdi has more from Nairobi, in this report narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
Thousands of schools have been damaged and hundreds destroyed during Russia’s war on Ukraine. And for many students living near the battle zones, getting an education has become a near impossibility. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with Yevhenii Shynkar from Lyman, Ukraine. WARNING: This report contains graphic images some may find disturbing.
Founders of the Somali Digital Media Academy say women's involvement in the Mogadishu film industry is surging. Abdiaziz Barrow spoke to women who are contributing to the visual history of their country in this report from the Somali capital, narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera — Abdulkadir Zubeyr
Japan imposed export controls on advanced microchip technologies this week, mirroring recent moves by the United States and the Netherlands. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo, the controls are widely seen as targeting China
A year after Sri Lanka’s economic collapse brought in a new government, the island nation is past the worst of the crisis. But as Anjana Pasricha reports, Sri Lanka’s economic woes are far from over as millions still confront hardship.
The U.N says more than 100,000 South Sudanese living in Sudan have returned to their home country since Sudan's conflict broke out in April. That number is growing rapidly, with an average of 1,000 more arriving each day. Reporter Henry Wilkins reports from Renk, South Sudan.
US says China's built-in censorship in generative AI platforms undermines ability to sustain innovation
Protests have escalated in Israel following Monday’s passage of a law to restrict judicial power, a move that critics say threatens democracy. Tens of thousands of Israelis have blocked roads and say they will continue to protest. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
U.S. first lady Jill Biden heralded her nation’s return to the United Nations’ cultural and educational body, UNESCO, at its headquarters in Paris, a city long famed for its cultural contributions. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Emmett Till was 14 years old in August 1955, when he was kidnapped, tortured and killed by two white men in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white woman. Till's death and his mother's advocacy became catalysts for the civil rights movement in the United States, and President Joe Biden honored them today. VOA's Laurel Bowman has the story.
As monsoon rains battered India early in July, authorities released excess water into rivers that flow into neighboring and arch-rival Pakistan. While this process is normal, Pakistanis who were also facing intense rains were taken by surprise as the water came much earlier than expected, prompting mass evacuations. VOA Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman visited villages along the banks of the Sutlej River. Camera: Wajid Asad
Next year, a daily oral birth control pill will be available in the United States without a prescription for the first time. Reproductive health advocates say the move will improve the well-being of women in the country, but some groups have raised concerns. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains.
In Ukraine, even in the face of Russian shelling, some people are staying in cities to rescue pets. Volunteers from Kharkiv are trying to help. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. This video contains images of injured animals that may be disturbing to some viewers. Camera — Pavel Suhodolskiy
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is exploring ways artificial intelligence can help detect illegal shipments of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. VOA footage by Adam Greenbaum
A perfect storm of war abroad and drought conditions at home are fueling uncertainty in the U.S. agricultural sector. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh visits with a farmer coping with shifts in weather, increased costs, and fluctuating commodity prices.
The gravity-defying customized cars known as lowriders started out in Mexican American communities of the western United States and now have inspired lowrider clubs in Asia and South America. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns takes us to an art show inspired by lowrider design.
Conservationists in Kenya are petitioning the state to enact solutions to avoid the worst impacts from climate change, including record droughts and flooding. Activists say directives such as Kenya's lifting of a ban on logging is reversing gains made to lessen extreme weather linked to climate change. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Produced by: Jimmy Makhulo
For decades, the Danny Woo Community Garden in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District has provided a sense of home for elderly Asian immigrants. The largest event at the garden is the Annual Pig Roast – a tradition since 1975. Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
Comic books have often been about tackling social issues and protecting the underdog. That may be why they are attracting a wide variety of unique voices, from comic creators to cosplayers. Genia Dulot reports from Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego, California.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits Turkey in a move that analysts say is aimed at getting reassurance as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pushes to improve ties with Israel. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul
Jonas King from Brooklyn, New York is among a new group of designers who focus on revitalizing pre-owned garments and textiles. As Nina Vishneva reports, King takes someone's trash and turns it into custom pieces. Anna Rice narrates the story. (Camera: Vladimir Badikov)
North Korea is one of the most closed-off countries, especially to foreign media. But for Jean Lee, the first American news bureau chief in Pyongyang, years of reporting from inside the country have helped her and her audiences better understand the nation. For VOA, Liam Scott has more from Washington in this story narrated by Steve Karesh. VOA footage by Cristina Caicedo Smit and Phillip Datcher.
A class that teaches teenage girls how to code – or write instructions for computers – is drawing lots of interest in Mongolia. For VOA, Graham Kanwit and Elizabeth Lee have the story about a program that prepares them for jobs in technology. Camera: Sam Paakkonen
A recent report by the African Development Bank showed that there is an estimated $42 billion financing gap for female entrepreneurs in Africa. In Nigeria, experts point to the driving factors behind the discrepancy and call for interventions. Gibson Emeka has this report from Abuja, Nigeria.
Record-breaking high temperatures are expected to continue this week in several parts of the world. As scientists linked the extreme weather to climate change, Pope Francis urged world leaders to fight it. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Much of Europe remains under a deadly and unforgiving heat wave this summer. A Greek island and tourist destination is the latest to suffer as a wildfire there sent people scrambling for safety over the weekend. Authorities warn more fires could follow as temperatures climb. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Sea lions and dolphins are being sickened by toxic algae off the coast of California, where hundreds of animals have washed ashore. Mike O'Sullivan visited the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California, where workers are rescuing and treating the ailing animals.
Since fighting between rival generals began on April 15, millions of Sudanese have fled northeast from Sudan's capital, Khartoum, to the city of Atbara. Sidahmed Ibraheem has the story, narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera: Sidahmed Ibraheem.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Tonga, New Zealand and Australia next week. He will visit Tonga’s capital, Nukuʻalofa, to dedicate the new U.S. Embassy there, part of an effort to ramp up America’s diplomatic presence in the region to counter China’s influence and pressure. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
VOA Connect Episode 288 – We take you to the village of Newtok, Alaska where climate change and the severe storms that come with it, are causing the erosion of the land, forcing the villagers to relocate. (Please note: this is the first of two episodes. The second will come next week)
US lawmakers are reviewing a Biden administration proposal to renew 20-year-old agreements with three Pacific Island nations. The goal of the compacts, as they are called, is to counter China’s influence in the region. But time is running out for Congress to approve them. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports from Washington.
Syria's 11-year conflict has created chaos across the country. But one odd and unique element of that chaos is an environment where fake international brands are widespread. VOA's Zana Omer and Sirwan Kajjo have the story.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, many Ukrainians are so exhausted that they are ignoring air raid sirens — something experts call 'alert fatigue.' US scientists say it is contributing to the civilian casualty rate. Maria Ulianovska has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Ivan Pavlovych
Comic-Con 2023 is happening in San Diego — without large movie studios and high-profile stars. Some participants say the Hollywood actors and writers strikes are taking the event back to its comic book roots. For VOA, Genia Dulot has the story. Camera: Roy Kim
US officials continued efforts this week to build a dialogue with China even as US lawmakers heard serious warnings about threats to cybersecurity. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson wraps up this week in US-China relations.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and his team met with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing this week. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports that the meetings were short on specifics and drew mixed reviews from close watchers of the climate talks.
Every few years, the Pacific Ocean gets a fever, and the symptoms spread all the way around the world. It's happening again. El Niño is back, and it looks like it's going to be a big one. That raises the odds of droughts in Brazil and southern Africa, and floods in East Africa and the southern United States.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog used his U.S. visit this week to ease tensions with Israel’s longtime supporters in Washington, where the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – which some label as extreme – have come under fire. For VOA, Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
We explore the 2021 NATO summit. Learn which countries are joining, how NATO is responding to Russia's actions in Ukraine, and the Biden administration's stance. This week on The Inside Story, NATO: Past and Present
After Russia withdrew from a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain through ports on the Black Sea, the Kremlin launched attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain hubs. Anna Kosstutschenko spoke with Ukrainian farmers about how this will impact them. VOA footage by Pavel Suhodolskiy
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Egypt in early July is raising hopes for ending conflicts across the Middle East and Africa. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Clashes between Kenya's opposition-led anti-tax protesters and police this month have left scores dead, including a prominent boxer who was shot earlier this month in Nairobi. Kenya's boxing fraternity organized an exhibition bout to honor 35-year-old Raphael Shigali, who was the capital’s reigning Bantamweight champion. Francis Ontomwa reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Amos Wangwa
More than 1,000 kilometers from the front line, the city of Lviv, Ukraine, is still vulnerable to Russian missile strikes. A mother, father and five children who survived a July 6th strike on a Lviv apartment complex share their tale. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Produced by: Yuriy Dankevych
African leaders are to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg at the end of July for a summit billed as strengthening cooperation in peace, security, and development. The second Russia-Africa Summit comes as Moscow wages war against Ukraine. VOA Nairobi Bureau Chief Mariama Diallo reports
Ukrainian forces are working to gain ground in their counteroffensive operations against Russia while maintaining an edge in innovative military technologies. VOA Eastern Europe bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze visited the production and testing facilities of Ukraine's rapidly developing military tech industry in Ukraine and Poland. Camera: Eugene Shynkar, Daniil Batushchak.
Now that Sweden’s ascension into NATO appears closer to approval following developments during the NATO summit last week, many wonder what power Sweden’s military can bring to the alliance. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb explains more about Sweden’s military might beneath the surface of the Baltic Sea.
Messi mania has descended on Florida with the arrival of Lionel Messi to play for local team Inter Miami. Many fans say they hope a player of his stature will signal a new era for U.S. soccer. Verónica Villafañe narrates this story from reporters Antoni Belchi and José Pernalete in Miami. Camera: Antoni Belchi and José Pernalete
Employees of beauty salons in Kabul, Afghanistan, staged a protest following a recent Taliban order that will close all women’s beauty salons in less than a month. Thousands of women will lose their jobs if the order is implemented. Waheed Faizi has the story. Contributor: Roshan Noorzai.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainian women serve alongside men in the military, both in combat and noncombat roles against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, other women face mental and physical pressures as they work behind front lines to care for families and rebuild their lives. Anna Chernikova in Kyiv tells the story of one woman’s transformation. Camera: Eugene Shynkar.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog marked the 75th year of Israeli independence Wednesday in an address to the U.S. Congress. His visit to Washington comes amid concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul plan and Israel’s continuing conflict with Palestinians. With Anita Powell contributing, VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
South Africans marked Nelson Mandela International Day to honor the anti-apartheid hero and late president's birthday on July 18. But almost 10 years after Mandela's death, the events stand in stark contrast to the socio-economic segregation and corruption that still haunt South Africa. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town, South Africa. Camera and video editing by Shadley Lombard.
Among the most vocal critics of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Estonia this year declared Moscow a state sponsor of terrorism and expelled the Russian ambassador. Now, the threat of Russian aggression is prompting Estonia to revisit its Soviet history and teach young people about the dangers of totalitarianism. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Tallinn. Camera: Ricardo Marquina.
Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, has turned to door-to-door campaigning ahead of next month’s election, saying police are turning down its applications for public rallies. The police acknowledge refusing to authorize a number of opposition rallies but say they are also turning down requests to rally from the ruling party. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Tayba Hatimy studied and practiced dentistry for seven years before she realized her real passion was caring for the environment. Since then, she has founded a garbage collection app that helps people in Mombasa, Kenya reduce garbage along the coast. Saida Swaleh has the story. (Camera: Moses Baya )
Ukraine is calling for its grain exports to continue passing through the Black Sea after Russia's withdrawal this week from an agreement allowing safe passage. Analysts say any new arrangement needs the cooperation of Turkey, as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Petroleum fuel consumption has dropped by nearly a third in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, since President Bola Tinubu in May scrapped an expensive fuel subsidy. Authorities are looking to promote alternative fuels, including converting engines to run on compressed natural gas and expanding electric vehicle charging stations. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria. Video editor: Bakhtiyar Zamanov
On paper, Lebanon is going though one of the worst economic crises of the last century and a half. Many have fallen into poverty. But as the summer season gets under way, bars and restaurants are busier than ever, puzzling economists and exposing a growing divide between rich and poor. For VOA, Jacob Russell from the Lebanese coastal city of Batroun.
Somalia's rebuilt national museum is hosting its first show after more than three decades of damaging war and conflict. The 90-year-old museum is holding an international exhibit for 18 artists. Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu, Somalia.
The International Criminal Court is moving ahead with its investigation of possible crimes against humanity during the drug war launched by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. On Tuesday, it rejected a government appeal to block the probe. Families of those killed during the anti-drug campaign are praising this latest development. Dave Grunebaum has the story from Quezon City in the Philippines.
President Joe Biden held a second White House meeting with Israel’s moderate ceremonial leader, President Isaac Herzog, covering a range of issues including Russia’s increased ties with Iran. The two also discussed further diplomatic normalization with Israel’s neighbors and the Biden administration’s concerns over the conservative prime minister’s moves toward judicial system changes and increased settlements in the West Bank. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said a US soldier willingly crossed the heavily fortified border between South Korea and North Korea on Tuesday and is believed to be in North Korean custody. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea's nuclear program. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The Russian private military force known as the Wagner Group captured the world’s attention with its open mutiny and march on Moscow, averted at the last minute through a deal brokered by Belarus. As Wagner’s future role remains uncertain, we take a look at their origins, the role they play in conflicts around the world, and their rise to influence as an unofficial arm of the Kremlin. Story by Alex Gendler; narration by Salem Solomon.
Somalia's rebuilt national museum is hosting its first show after more than three decades of damaging war and conflict. The 90-year-old museum is holding an international exhibit for 18 artists. Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu, Somalia.
The International Criminal Court is moving ahead with its investigation of possible crimes against humanity during the drug war launched by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. On Tuesday, it rejected a government appeal to block the probe. Families of those killed during the anti-drug campaign are praising this latest development. Dave Grunebaum has the story from Quezon City in the Philippines.
Chinese artists who are not endorsed by the ruling communist party often find they need to work outside the country, especially if their art is critical of the government in Beijing. Sculptor Weiming Chen is among them. Genia Dulot went to the California desert to see what he is doing.
Female soccer players in Africa, much like those in the United States, are often paid less than their male counterparts. Nigeria's women's national team, the Super Falcons, is by far the most successful in Africa, winning nine out of eleven continental titles. The team is preparing to represent Africa this month at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja. Produced by: Salem Solomon, Bakhtiyar Zamanov
Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles have come up with a device that may one day be an alternative to chemotherapy for treating cancer. Genia Dulot has the report.
Russia on Monday ended the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which guaranteed the free flow of Ukrainian grain to the rest of the world. Poor nations already struggling with food insecurity are expected to be affected the worst. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains.
In the wake of criticism over its recent raid on the Jenin Palestinian refugee camp, Israel is showcasing its urban warfare training program which teaches soldiers how to avoid collateral damage at part of an army base built to look like a Palestinian city. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from the Tze'elim base near the Gaza Strip.
The U.S. Senate will begin debate this week on a massive spending bill setting the spending priorities for the U.S. military for the coming year. Democrats and Republicans have already clashed in the House of Representatives over how much the legislation should include for aid to Ukraine, diversity initiatives and abortion. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Sierra Leone's new parliament will have the largest female representation in the country's history, with 41 women lawmakers, more than double that of the last election. Activists say that number could have been higher had a new law that reserves 30% of leadership roles for women been followed correctly. Senanu Tord reports from Port Loko, Sierra Leone.
In the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines, a debate is raging over whether to teach teenagers about contraceptives. Comprehensive sex education is required in public schools but not all schools are following through. Dave Grunebaum has the story.
Mikhail Nalivajko, a fighter with Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces, lost his right leg in an attack on his unit. His injuries defied treatment until a nonprofit brought him to the U.S. for medical care. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vladimir Badikov, Natalia Latukhina.
Hollywood actors walked off the job Friday, striking for higher pay, an improved residuals policy and protections against the use of artificial intelligence. Hollywood writers have been on strike since May. Genia Dulot has the report.
There have been some widely publicized efforts to ban books from some school districts across the U.S. The free speech organization PEN America monitors these and says that laws have been enacted in some states to restrict books that can be provided to minors. But these new laws are being challenged. Karina Bafradzhian has the story. VOA footage by Andrey Degtyarev.
Five sheep are spending their summer at the former military base-turned-park on New York City’s Governors Island. Their mission: removing unwanted invasive plants from an urban forest in the Hammock Grove section. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vladimir Badikov.
Despite not advancing on its goal to join NATO, Ukraine did receive security assurances by the military alliance’s members during their summit last week in Vilnius. And as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports, the Biden administration emphasized this Sunday again, that its’ support for Kyiv, remains strong.
Climate scientists say recent weeks have been the hottest worldwide and likely the hottest in the past 100-thousand years. Parts of the world are now underwater while others face sweltering heat, but for oceanside tourist destinations, the effects of climate change threaten both their existence and way of life. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Hong Kong authorities last week offered a reward of more than $128,000 for information that helps lead to the arrest of eight self-exiled pro-democracy activists. Henry Ridgwell spoke with Finn Lau, one of those targeted by the reward, close to his new home in London.
Cambodians vote July 23 in an election that has been criticized by Western countries, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pro-democracy activists, after the top opposition party was barred from running. Authorities insist the poll will be fair. Luke Hunt reports from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Chad consistently ranks among the bottom five countries in the U.N.'s Human Development Index, with poor life expectancy, education and living standards. In this report from N'Djamena, Henry Wilkins speaks to residents who struggle to imagine a decent future for their families and to experts about what can be done to kick-start development. Camera: Henry Wilkins.
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations again condemned the violence in Myanmar, triggered by the military junta's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents. At a summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought support to counter China's support for the junta and Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
We follow performing artists with disabilities who foster acceptance, adaptation and are thriving in their professions.
Ryan J. Haddad, an actor and playwright, uses his platform to shed light on living with a disability, pushing boundaries to make theater inclusive and accessible for everyone. Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer | Photography: Kathleen McLaughlin
Driven by her passion for entertainment, Sandy Benton didn't let her disability hinder her from pursuing her dreams, taking the stage as a stand-up comic a few days a week. Producer: Marsha James, Camera | Editor: Philip Alexiou
This week we get a glimpse of Urban Wildlife in the heart of Washington DC. Camera | Producer | Editor: Jeff Swicord
Health care providers in Zimbabwe are leaving the country in droves for better work abroad. The government is scrambling to fill the gaps by better equipping hospitals, as Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe.
In the heart of Gaza City lies a neighborhood that has historically been inhabited by ethnic Kurds. Despite their assimilation into Palestinian culture, Gazans of Kurdish descent remain proud of their ancestral heritage. VOA’s Sirwan Kajjo has the story. Camera: Ola Almadhoun
A year and a half after Russia invaded Ukraine, unexploded munitions can be found in nearly 40 percent of Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian allies are assisting demining efforts. VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from Poland. Cameras: Daniil Batushchak, agencies.
As American journalist Evan Gershkovich remains in custody in a Russian jail, his family and colleagues describe the fight to free him. For Liam Scott in Washington, Steve Karesh has the story. Camera: Cristina Caicedo Smit.
President Joe Biden wrapped up his European trip in Finland, meeting with NATO’s newest member and other Nordic leaders as conflict in Ukraine casts a pall over the continent’s future. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Helsinki.
Religious minorities are once again the focus of terrorist attacks in northwestern region of Pakistan. The outlawed terrorist organization Daesh has claimed responsibility for two recent attacks on Sikhs in Peshawar in which one person was injured and the other killed. VOA’s Nazar ul Islam files this report from Peshawar, Pakistan, in which he takes us inside a Sikh community. Bezhan Hamdard narrates
We take a closer look at the growing threat of Fentanyl. Highly addictive, cheap, and potentially lethal, this synthetic opioid is responsible for a dramatic spike in overdose deaths across the United States. How are communities, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement responding to this new danger? This week on The Inside Story, The Fentanyl Threat.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads to the Arab Gulf States next week in his latest effort to improve ties across the region after years of tensions. Earlier this month, Turkey restored full diplomatic relations with Egypt, and rapprochement efforts continue with Israel. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Rights groups in Kenya are campaigning for refugees married to Kenyans to obtain citizenship. The Kenyan Constitution allows foreign nationals married to Kenyans to register for citizenship after seven years of marriage. But they must have residency status to apply, and this policy locks out refugees. Juma Majanga reports from the Dadaab refugee camps
Ending a nine-decade run, Venezuela’s Radio Caracas Radio aired its last broadcast June 30. Media analysts are warning that the closure of RCR, one of the country's oldest stations, along with the shuttering of dozens of other media outlets, is limiting public access to information. From Caracas, Venezuela, Adriana Nunez Rabascall has the story, narrated by Veronica Villafañe.
The Taliban have ordered women’s beauty salons to close in a month. Beauty salon owners and women’s rights activists say the decision is devastating for women in Afghanistan. Farkhunda Paimani reports.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with his ASEAN counterparts Thursday and Friday in Jakarta, with the focus on trying to end the bloody 2-1/2-year crisis in Myanmar and responding to China's aggression in the South China Sea. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Wrapping up a two-day summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, U.S. President Joe Biden delivered an address highlighting how Washington and its allies are supporting Ukraine, defending democratic values and taking action to address global challenges. VOA’s Patsy Widakuswara reports.
The future of a Russia-Ukraine agreement to export Ukrainian grain to world markets is again in doubt, as Moscow threatens to not renew it after it expires on Monday. As Dorian Jones in Istanbul reports, Turkey – a broker of that agreement - is stepping up pressure on Moscow amid concerns of a global food crisis.
A growing number of Kurdish women in northeast Syria are signing up for the local traffic police force. The development is helping to break stereotypes about the role of women in society. VOA's Zana Omer has the story from Qamishli, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
Eighteen-year-old American citizens of the Gen Z generation will be eligible to vote in a US presidential election for the first time next year. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias interviewed several young adults about what political and legal issues are important to them
From Lithuania, U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday this year’s NATO summit represents an 'historic moment,' as the security bloc prepares to enlarge while tackling issues around the grinding war in Ukraine. But although the path has been cleared for Sweden’s inclusion in the bloc, Kyiv is not getting a timetable for its membership. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Vilnius.
Russia’s prolonged aggression in Ukraine has raised fears that Moldova could be next on the Kremlin’s list. Like Ukraine, Moldova has close cultural ties to Russia. Unlike Ukraine, however, Moldova’s armed forces are weak, making the small nation vulnerable. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.
With an orchestra and plans for new military monuments, Ukraine is honoring the memory of its fallen soldiers. At a special funeral ceremony in Lviv, those bidding farewell to the defenders include not only their families and brothers-in-arms but also thousands of city residents. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych
After an anonymous TikToker created a song using artificial intelligence that fooled many into thinking it was made by pop stars, experts say the music industry will have to decide how to handle AI music. Deana Mitchell has the story
Aleksandr Statiev was born in Turkmenistan but chose to live in Ukraine. He has his own business, he acted in movies, but after Russia invaded Ukraine, he went home to help the wounded as a medic. Olena Adamaneko has his story with narration by Anna Rice. (Camera and produced by: Mykhailo Zaika)
At a U.N. Security Council meeting last month, speakers urged member states to do more to counter the security threat posed by climate change. Meanwhile, in Chad, conflicts between farmers and herders from the Fulani ethnic group are flaring as warming temperatures further reduce already scarce water and useable land. Henry Wilkins reports from N'Djamena, Chad.
At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, this week, a main question will be whether Ukraine should join the alliance, even though there will be no vote on the issue. The U.S. and Germany worry its admission could lead NATO into a direct confrontation with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to attend. VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports. VOA Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
U.S. President Joe Biden is in Vilnius, Lithuania, for the NATO summit after stopping in London to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Their meeting was overshadowed by Washington’s announcement that it would send cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite the bombs being banned by 123 nations, including Britain. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara is traveling with the president and has this report.
Among those seeking refuge from Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine are lions, tigers, bears and other animals that have been transferred from Ukrainian zoos to the Poznan Zoo in Poland. That is the first stop on their journey to new homes in Western Europe and the United States. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Poznan. Camera: Daniil Batushchak
As NATO members prepare for their upcoming summit in Vilnius, the U.S. has again justified its decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine. The chances of Kyiv joining NATO anytime soon, however, are almost nil, as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary on Sunday finished a four-day trip to China. The visit aimed to ease tensions between the two countries as the relationship had taken a downturn in recent years. The two sides talked economics, a spy balloon, and climate change, but what came out of it? VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
President Joe Biden remains the most reluctant among NATO allies to grant Ukraine a quick pathway to join the alliance, setting up for a contentious debate at the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next week with eastern flank members who are eager for the war-torn country to join as soon as its conflict with Russia ends. Washington wants to strengthen Ukraine instead, announcing a controversial plan to send cluster munitions. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Cambodia’s seventh national election takes place July 23. Eighteen political parties are registered for the vote to elect members to the National Assembly. Because 17 have little funding and few followers, the ruling Cambodian People's Party is likely to take all the seats and form a new government. Many international organizations consider the vote a sham. VOA’s Chetra Chap reports. Camera: Pin Sisovann
Russia launched a missile attack on an apartment building in Lviv early Thursday, leaving at least 10 people dead and 42 wounded. Rescuers are still searching for people in the rubble. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story.
Friday marks 100 days since Russian authorities detained Evan Gershkovich and charged him with espionage — the first U.S. journalist to be accused of this since the Cold War. The Kremlin hinted this week that it would be open to negotiating a prisoner swap. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
VOA Connect Episode 286 - The progression of electric vehicles and the growing presence of women in the automotive industry.
The Tesla Roadster, known as the car that sparked the electric automobile revolution, is now a collector’s item with an extremely passionate fan base. Learn more about the history and evolution of the vehicle recounted by one collector. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Jeff Swicord
Virginia Tire & Auto (VTA), a company with a rich history spanning 46 years, stands as one of the largest women-owned businesses in the DC area. Find out how Co-CEO, Julia Homes is leading the company’s efforts to attract more women to join their ranks. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
This week we look at the beauty of an urban forest nestled in Washington D.C. Camera | Editor: Linus Manchester
Ukraine has been using drones for reconnaissance and attacks since the start of Russia'18s invasion. But sometimes combat drone operators use them to save civilians — or even capture the enemy. Anna Kosstutschenko went to the Donbas region to find out more. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy Produced by: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Female leaders of the Fulani, an ethnic group of mostly nomadic herders across West Africa and the Sahel, say women can play a vital role in reducing long-running friction with farming communities. In this report from Lake Chad, reporter Henry Wilkins meets women making digital maps to establish boundaries between the two communities.
At last year's NATO summit in Madrid, the alliance for the first time recognized China as a security challenge. Next week, as NATO leaders meet for a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, they are set to take concrete action. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at NATO's need to forge a coherent approach to what it sees as the China threat and the obstacles it may face in doing so.
The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency is visiting the Asia-Pacific region this week after giving Tokyo the green light on Tuesday to release more than 1 million metric tons of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. The IAEA says the water is safe for release, but the decision has done little to ease concerns of fishing and environmental communities throughout the region. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
Whether played on a field or ice, hockey is an intense and physically demanding sport. In Boston, players in power wheelchairs have taken up the challenge. VOA’s Tina Trinh went to a match.
We're taking a deep dive into Chinatown in New York City, one of the oldest Chinatowns in America. Learn about the history and culture of Chinatown and how it is adapting to the changing times. This week on The Inside Story, Chinatown: Living in America
Turkey is facing mounting pressure from its NATO allies to lift its opposition to Sweden's membership bid. But Ankara says it will not change its position until its demands are met, and analysts say the impasse will probably have to be solved at the approaching NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, 60,000 Ukrainian children have been treated at the First Medical Union in Lviv located at St. Nicholas Children's Hospital, including a girl from Vuhledar, in the Donbas region. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has her story. Camera and edit: Yuriy Dankevych
In its latest session, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld preferences for Native American foster children to be adopted by Native American parents. The Indian Child Welfare Act was challenged by non-Native foster parents who say it is discriminatory. For VOA, Levi Stallings has our story from the Southwest state of Arizona. (Camera: Levi Stallings)
Apartheid ended in South Africa three decades ago, but Black people still struggle to enter luxury sports like hot air ballooning. Komane Harold Tjiane, 44, is in the process of breaking through that ceiling, training to become the country's first black hot air balloon pilot. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg. Camera: Zaheer Cassim
Sharing a border with Ukraine, Romania has become one of the European Union countries most exposed to the conflict and a key NATO supplier of weapons to Kyiv. Despite Romania's support of Ukraine, its historically troubled relations with Ukraine still pose difficulties. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Bucharest.
Residents of the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank are returning home after a two-day raid by Israeli forces that left 13 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier dead. Israel has pulled its forces but says it will conduct further operations if needed to eradicate terrorism. Palestinian health officials accuse Israel of targeting hospitals during the raid. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
A month after the explosion at Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam, the upstream reservoir that has provided water, power and food to the region since the 1950s has become a hellhole of dried-up fish carcasses and puddles alongside the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Nikopol and Malokaterynivka, Ukraine, with videographer Yevhenii Shynkar.
UNESCO says in the first year of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the cost of the damage to Ukraine's tourism and culture sectors reached more than $2.5 billion. From Warsaw, Lesia Bakalets reports on efforts to preserve art treasures and exhibit them abroad. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
The Israeli government has sparked a building frenzy of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The international community has called on Israel not to move forward with these projects. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from the West Bank. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
NATO allies are preparing for their annual two-day summit July 11 and 12 in Vilnius, Lithuania — as Ukraine urges the alliance to fast-track its proposed membership. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed Tuesday that he will extend his term for another year, as the West seeks to maintain unity amid Russia’s aggression. Henry Ridgwell reports.
In Kenya’s capital, a radio station has reached a loyal audience by broadcasting in a so-called street language. 'Sheng' is a dialect that draws from English, Swahili and other established languages. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
A new report by Heritage for Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving cultural artifacts in times of war, has detailed the destruction and looting of museums and cultural sites during Sudan's civil war. Meanwhile, parties outside Sudan are quickly drawing up plans to evacuate the antiquities to safety. Henry Wilkins reports from N'Djamena, Chad.
Founded by a former refugee, Minnesota-based company Epimonía turns material from life jackets worn by refugees into fashion accessories and other items of clothing. VOA’s Kahli Abdu has the story.
Activist groups in Zimbabwe have launched a series of nationwide 'Vote in Peace' concerts to promote unity and discourage violence as the country prepares for August 23 elections. Government critics point out much of the past election-related violence came from the state against the opposition and their supporters. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Parades, picnics and concerts will be held across the United States Tuesday as the nation celebrates the 247th signing of the Declaration of Independence, which signaled the American colonies break with Britain. Richard Green shows us two very different celebrations of the annual holiday.
U.S. President Joe Biden says he wants every American to have access to high-speed internet. VOA’s Julie Taboh has our story about the United States' more than $40 billion-dollar investment to expand the service.
For some U.S. veterans, this Independence Day is special -- they get to celebrate it on American soil as part of a Biden administration initiative begun in 2021 to help repatriate non-citizen veterans who were deported after getting in trouble with the law. Genia Dulot has our report from California.
In recent years, TV shows and movies featuring Asians, including Chinese Americans, have been on the rise, with many of them aimed at younger audiences. Students at a Taiwanese School summer camp in Washington share their thoughts on this trend. Elizabeth Lee and Graham Kanwit report.
Kyiv and its Western allies have opened a new center in The Hague that will investigate Russia’s leaders for the crime of aggression, following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Ukrainians near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, are preparing for a potential meltdown and its fallout following warnings of a Russian attack on the facility. Warsaw reporter Lesia Bakalets has been in contact with residents inside Ukraine. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
Ukraine says its forces have retaken 37 square kilometers of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine during the past week, as part of its counteroffensive against Russia launched in June. Analysts say the recent mutiny against Russia's top commanders may have an impact on the morale of Russian soldiers on the battlefield. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, with Yulia Savchenko contributing.
The nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy is running for president. Robert F. Kennedy Junior, whose father was slain during a White House bid in 1968, is considered a longshot for the Democratic nomination despite his family name and some favorable early polls. VOA’s Veronica Balderas reports.
As the nation prepares to celebrate 247 years of the country’s independence, smaller U.S. towns are marking holiday with their own traditions. VOA’s Saqib Ul Islam takes us to one small Virginia town that celebrated ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
Politicians and activists are divided on the potential repercussions of a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions this past week. While some praised the conservative justices, who make up a majority on the nine-member court, others are questioning whether their rulings will hurt some minorities. Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
A Japanese actor, artist and designer has opened a Ukrainian restaurant in Tokyo called Smachnogo. Her one and only goal: to provide jobs to Ukrainian evacuees arriving in Japan after the start of Russia’s invasion. Iuliia Iarmolenko has the story. Camera: Susumu Miyazu, Justyna Feicht. Video editing: Oleksii Osyka, Anna Rice.
Following an outbreak of anthrax disease in the West African nation of Ghana, Nigerian authorities have urged citizens to halt consumption of cooked animal hides, a delicacy also known as “pomo” in the country. Gibson Emeka has this story from Abuja, Nigeria, narrated by Salem Solomon.
A soccer academy in Burtonsville, Maryland, founded by a Togolese immigrant is changing lives and training children to be stars on and off the pitch. VOA’s Arzouma Kompaore has the story.
It’s been nearly a week since news broke of a police shooting in France, sparking protests around the Paris area. The victim was of North African decent. The officer involved said he feared the teen would hit someone with his car, but activists say the victim’s ethnicity got him killed. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the latest.
A big majority of Europeans now see Russia as an adversary following its invasion of Ukraine, according to a survey of 16-thousand people across 11 European Union member states. Europeans tend to have a more favorable opinion of China, as Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government is not required to help the Navajo Nation Reservation supply Colorado River water to thousands of homes on its reservation. Matt Dibble has the story.
Getting into Midtown Manhattan is going to get expensive in the coming months when early next year a new congestion pricing plan takes effect and may have some commuters trading their cars for trains and buses. Aron Ranen has the story.
Journalists in Ecuador are under increasing risk, facing threats, letter bombs and attempted killings, says a new report. VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
In the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, women are crafting products from pine needles as part of an initiative that aims at providing them with livelihood opportunities while reducing the risk of forest fires. Anjana Pasricha reports on one project in the district of Mandi. Video: Rakesh Kumar
Secretary of State Antony Blinken brought the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan together for several days of peace talks in Washington, as residents of the ethnic Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan say they have been cut off from food, medicine and gas. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday against allowing race to be used as a factor in college and university admissions, ending a decades-long policy intended to improve diversity in American higher education. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Observers of Sierra Leone's election are raising concerns about vote count irregularities in a ballot that declared President Julius Maada Bio’s re-election. As the Muslim-majority nation marks Islam’s Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, there are calls for peace and unity, after violence during the polling process left at least one dead. Senanu Tord reports from Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The U.N. says the war in Sudan has so far forced 2.5 million people from their homes, about 80 percent of whom are displaced internally. Sidahmed Ibraheem spoke to some of the displaced, now living in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, in this story narrated by VOA’s Vincent Makori.
The fallout from Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny and exile to Belarus has rattled nerves in the Baltic countries and is expected to broaden NATO’s agenda beyond Ukraine during talks at its annual summit later in July. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
The US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that colleges and universities can no longer use race systematically in the admissions process, striking down decades of precedent. VOA’s Laurel Bowman spoke to people outside the court minutes after the decision was announced.
The Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya is still reeling after about 400 Jewish settlers, furious over a Palestinian terror attack, rampaged through it. U.S. citizens who live in the village say the U.S. must do more to keep them safe. Linda Gradstein reports from Turmus Ayya. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
An attempted coup in Russia and the plight of the Uyghur people in China. This week on The Inside Story, Uncertainty in Russia, Fear in China
Turkey has condemned Wednesday’s public burning of a Quran in Stockholm and analysts say the incident will likely give Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even more reason to veto Sweden’s bid to join NATO. Erdogan has already threatened to block Sweden’s membership because he accuses Stockholm of harboring Kurdish separatists who he says are terrorists. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
NATO is set to choose a new leader, as the term of current Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is due to end later this year. Some members, however, want Stoltenberg to stay on to give the Western alliance stability amid Russia’s war on Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The war in Sudan that began in April 15 has so far forced some 2.5 million people from their homes, according to the U.N., with about 80 percent of them displaced internally. Sidahmed Ibraheem spoke to some of the displaced, now living Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, in this story narrated by VOA’s Vincent Makori.
A screenwriters' strike in Hollywood has been going on for two months, grinding scripted TV production basically to a halt and costing California millions in losses each day. Angelina Bagdasaryan has more in this story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian
More than three million Syrians have made Turkey home since the start of their country’s conflict in 2011. Despite the challenges of life in Turkey, many have remained active, trying to help other Syrian refugees. VOA's Eyyup Demir has the story from Ankara, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
Here comes “Bidenomics,” President Joe Biden’s self-named plan to forge an economic future “for families and communities that have long been written off and left behind.” On Wednesday, he visited Chicago — a legendary city in the nation’s once-booming industrial and agricultural heartland — to introduce Bidenomics to the world. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington. Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken say Saturday's armed rebellion in Russia shows that President Vladimir Putin is clearly losing the war in Ukraine and highlights the stark contrast between Putin's grand ambitions when he started the war and where his army stands now. VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
U.S. President Joe Biden says he wants to make sure that every American has access to high-speed internet. VOA’s Julie Taboh has our story about the United States' more than $40 billion-dollar investment to expand the service. (Videographer: Adam Greenbaum; Produced by Julie Taboh, Adam Greenbaum)
More than 100 Kenyan traders are suing the government, saying that Chinese-owned businesses are illegally undercutting their prices. Meanwhile, many Kenyan consumers are welcoming the competitive prices. For VOA, Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.
Zimbabwe opposition lawmaker Job Sikhala was found guilty in May of obstruction of justice and is now on trial on additional charges of incitement to commit violence, and disorderly conduct. But he's not alone. Rights groups say the charges against Sikhala are part of a wider crackdown on the opposition ahead of August 23 elections. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Japan has accepted some 2,300 Ukrainians under the status of evacuees. This is an unprecedented number for a country that in 2021 accepted 74 refugees from around the world. Iuliia Iarmolenko tells the story of one Ukrainian family in Japan. (Videographer: Susumu Miyazu, Justyna Feicht; Produced by Oleksii Osyka, Anna Rice)
Five years after the single worst attack on U.S. media in history, the city of Annapolis in Maryland still honors the lives lost at the Capital Gazette newspaper. VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
The commission that enforces rules for U.S. elections is not regulating AI-generated deepfakes in political advertising ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Deana Mitchell has the story.
Plans by a United Nations agency to cut food aid beginningJuly 1 for refugees in Uganda, Africa’s biggest refugee host, are expected to worsen their struggle with food shortages from climate change. The U.N.’s World Food Program says aid cuts leave them no choice but to help only the most vulnerable. Halima Athumani reports from Palorinya refugee camp in Obongi district, Uganda. Camera: Francis Mukasa
The United States is India’s largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries currently around $191 billion, in 2022. With the two forging a closer relationship, VOA’s Chris Casquejo looks at the prospects for boosting U.S.-India trade.
Fleeing drought and conflict in Somalia, refugees have been pouring into the Dadaab refugee camps in neighboring Kenya. Humanitarian agencies say the influx of people has strained services in the already overcrowded camps and are warning of health risks. Juma Majanga reports from the Dadaab camps.
After fleeing Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Mina Akbari is again working as a journalist, reporting for diaspora media from her new home in Pakistan. For VOA, Muska Safi has more from Islamabad. Cristina Caicedo Smit narrates the story.
While Ukrainian pilots could soon be training to fly U.S.-made F-16s, analysts say the jet fighters won't be seen on the battlefield anytime soon. In the meantime, the Ukrainian military is using a variety of aircraft in the field. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. VOA footage by Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Robot makers who want to explore the oceans are looking to one of Earth's most successful sea creatures for design inspiration. Steve Baragona reports.
In New York City’s Chinatown, creeping gentrification means some small businesses are thriving while others are struggling to regain their pre-pandemic footing. VOA’s Tina Trinh has our story. Camera: Tina Trinh, Mostafa Bassim, Alexander Barash; Contributor: Ting-Yi Hsu
More frequent and intense heat waves are extracting a health and economic toll in India and pose a risk to its development, according to a recent study. Anjana Pasricha in New Delhi reports that low-income workers are among the worst hit by searing temperatures during summer.
The White House said Monday it was “too soon to tell” whether the dramatic events of this weekend in Russia will change the course of the conflict in Ukraine, or international relations in general. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
In Sudan's western Darfur region, conflict and unrest have sparked sexual violence against women, according to the United Nations. Many who fled the region to neighboring Chad say there has been a complete breakdown of law and order, allowing for more attacks on women. Henry Wilkins speaks to survivors of sexual violence in this report from Koufroune, Chad.
Ukrainian officials see the mutiny of the mercenary Wagner Group as a sign that Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s power is cracking. On the streets of Ukraine, high hopes gave way to tempered expectations that Russia’s full-scale assault might begin to end soon. For VOA, Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv.
Western leaders say that the failed mutiny by the Russian mercenary group Wagner over the weekend reveals the weakness of the country’s president, Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, China has given Putin its backing. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Russia experienced the most serious threat to its stability in decades when the mercenary Wagner group mutinied, and its leader threatened to storm Moscow in an unprecedented challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule. The episode was brief, lasting fewer than 24 hours, but leaves big questions about the direction of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine and of Putin’s political future. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from the VOA Moscow Bureau.
A Somali American who came to the U.S. as a refugee is now helping chart the future of her state as an elected representative. Mohamud Mascadde sat down with Hodan Hassan for a one-on-one interview in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in this story narrated by Salem Solomon
According to the U.N., in 2021, Nigeria had the most child deaths caused by pollution-related pneumonia in the world, at nearly 70 thousand. UNICEF says 40 percent of those deaths are a result of breathing air pollution caused by burning solid cooking fuels in the home. Timothy Obiezu has this report from Abuja, Nigeria.
Market researchers have noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Americans have been spending more time on the water. And that has helped keep the recreational boating industry afloat. Liliya Anisimova has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Aleksandr Bergan
The work of journalists can range from covering crime scenes to conflict zones, among other stories. The University of Toronto is looking at the toll journalism can take on reporters and offering newsrooms insights into what they can do to help. From New York, VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit has the details.
As tensions soared inside Russia between the government and private military group Wagner, front-line Ukrainian fighters say their fight with Russia has not subsided. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with videographer Yevhenii Shynkar in Storozheve, Ukraine.
The United States is focusing on supporting Ukraine after the Wagner mercenary group openly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on what some analysts think could be the result of Wagner’s short-lived rebellion.
Somali refugees are heading to the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya to register for IDs, in hopes of securing relocation to the U.S. and other Western countries. The rush follows the creation of a program that allows Americans to sponsor refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Juma Majanga reports from the Dadaab camps.
Refugees from Rwanda and Burundi living in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say they are experiencing difficult conditions in refugee camps. Zanem Nety Zaidi has this story from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
The frantic search for a missing submersible craft in the North Atlantic Ocean came to an end Thursday following news of the craft’s destruction at sea. All five aboard the Titan died as they descended toward the shipwrecked remains of the Titanic. Now investigators want to know why. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the latest.
The U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria are adamant about holding trials for hundreds of foreign Islamic State group militants in their custody. VOA’s Zana Omer has the story from Qamishli, Syria, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
In May, the World Health Organization certified that the countries of Benin and Mali eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, the fifth and sixth African countries to do so. As VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports, while the Carter Center is celebrating the milestone in Mali, its work in eliminating and eradicating trachoma in Ethiopia, Niger, South Sudan and Sudan continues.
Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a woman’s federal right to an abortion. Since then, U.S. states have decided on the regulations governing the procedure, and the issue has become even more politically crucial in U.S. campaigns and elections. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports.
On the frontlines of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, soldiers are fighting fiercely village by village in what has become a wasteland of battle and violence. VOA’s Heather Murdock and videographer Yevhenii Shynkar are on the scene in the newly-recaptured village of Storozheve, Ukraine.
Poland hosts about half a million school-aged Ukrainian refugee children. Many high school graduates outside their homeland choose to take Ukraine’s final state exam, which is mandatory for applying to Ukrainian universities and sometimes accepted by European ones. After the war started, the test was held in Ukraine and locations abroad. Lesia Bakalets has the story from Warsaw, Poland. Video: Daniil Batushchak
Afghanistan’s western province of Herat is known for its raisins. Estimates show about 20 metric tons of the dried fruit are produced in the province each year using ancient methods. Safiullah Ahmadzai has the story from Herat, narrated by Anne Ball.
The Metropolitan Opera in New York not only organizes concerts and campaigns to support Ukraine but also has offered four Ukrainians an internship. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Ukraine’s allies met in London this week for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, a summit aimed at raising the billions of dollars to rebuild Ukraine after Russia’s invasion. Henry Ridgwell reports from the British capital.
US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed back against criticism that discussion of human rights and democratic values took a back seat amid the pomp and pageantry of the Indian leader’s visit to Washington, which includes a state dinner and an address to the US Congress. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the report.
The U.S. has said it expects the Israeli government to prosecute those responsible for vigilante attacks in the West Bank on Wednesday, when hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed into a Palestinian town to avenge the deaths of four Israelis killed by Palestinian gunmen that afternoon. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska was in Israel this week meeting with experts in trauma and rehabilitation, seeking support for her country’s troops and civilians traumatized by the Russian invasion. Israelis say they can help. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen, Courtesy.
With journalists covering the election campaign harassed and security concerns blocking some female reporters from covering events in Sierra Leone, media associations are calling for better protections and greater support. Senanu Tord reports from Freetown. Camera: Senanu Tord.
Some of the Syrian refugees taken in by Spain have accomplished big things, including Adnan Almousa Alfermli. His eyes are set on winning a gold medal at the Paralympics. Miguel Amaya narrates this report from Alfonso Beato in Barcelona. Camera: Alfonso Beato.
We explore the complicated processes refugees face around the world and hear inspiring stories from refugees seeking asylum from countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Sudan. This week on The Inside Story, World Refugee Day
Since the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine in early June, dozens of people have died and thousands were forced to flee their homes. The U.N. is trying to get humanitarian aid into the affected areas. Iryna Shynkarenko and Andriy Dubchack have the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Andriy Dubchack Produced by: Pavlo Terekhov, Anna Rice
At a military base not far from ongoing combat in eastern Ukraine, soldiers tell VOA that shelling can be brutal, even far from the roughly two-week-old counteroffensive, as Russian forces try to distract Ukraine. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. Camera: Yevhenii Shynkar
Palorinya refugee settlement in Uganda is reporting high numbers of suicides and suicide attempts by the people who live there. Organizations and individuals who work with the refugees say denial of food and a failure to meet basic needs are the main causes. Halima Athumani reports from Obongi District, Uganda. Camera: Francis Mukasa
Kenyan video gamers are joining forces to advocate for bringing to Africa more world-class gaming servers that provide greater stability and control. Apart from South Africa, many African countries lack servers, placing players at a disadvantage and discouraging many from joining esports. Mohammed Yusuf has more from Nairobi.
In the past few years, political tensions have derailed U.S.-Mexico cooperation in fighting the illegal trafficking of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. U.S. legislators and experts are now calling for a reset of bilateral relations. Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports. (Camera: Mino Dargakis)
Introduced in Nigeria by the U.S. Peace Corps in the 1960s, baseball is slowly becoming a sport of note, thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated enthusiasts of the game. Timothy Obiezu reports from Ekiti state.
Artificial intelligence is changing how wildlife reserves prevent poaching, with smart cameras, drones, and other technology helping rangers protect endangered species. Kate Bartlett and Zaheer Cassim report from Limpopo, South Africa. Video editor: Jason Godman.
The US is not backing down on comments made by President Joe Biden likening Chinese President Xi Jinping to a dictator. The remarks, which came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China to repair bilateral relations, drew sharp criticism from Beijing. White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
People-to-people relations are a huge component of diplomacy between India and the U.S., especially in science and technology. India’s prime minister met with U.S. and Indian students at the National Science Foundation to underscore these ties. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Alexandria, Virginia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he let Chinese leaders know that the U.S. would be deeply concerned about any increased Chinese intelligence or military activities in Cuba. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Sierra Leoneans head to the polls Saturday for presidential elections. Older voters say they are concerned that youths, who rioted last August to protest the country's economic challenges, may resort to violence. Senanu Tord reports on a campaign aimed at maintaining the peace on Election Day.
Last week’s migrant boat accident in the Mediterranean Sea near Greece has sent shock waves through Pakistan, home to almost 300 passengers of the overcrowded fishing vessel. VOA’s Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman met with some parents waiting to learn the fate of their missing children.
Giraffes are considered endangered, and in Kenya, the population of the world’s tallest animal is declining. Officials say four to five giraffes are being lost daily because of relentless poaching for meat and the harsh realities of climate change. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir County, Kenya.
Turkey’s LGBT+ movement is celebrating pride this week in Istanbul, but authorities are cracking down on any public displays as newly reelected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses the movement of posing a threat to Turkish society. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Ukraine is about two weeks into a major push to retake areas occupied by Russia for more than a year. VOA's Heather Murdock reports from the edges of the combat zone in the Volnovakha region, where soldiers and locals say the fighting is brutal and slow against an enemy that is heavily fortified for battle.
Weeks after the discovery of mass graves on land owned by cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie, some families are still searching for news about their loved ones in Kenya. One family has been relying on accounts and clues from survivors to try to piece together the whereabouts of their lost brother. Saida Swaleh met this family from Mombasa and has this report. Camera: Moses Baya Produced by: Saida Swaleh
Drone photographers and videographers from around the world submitted more than 65,000 pieces of work in an annual online competition. VOA’s Julie Taboh highlights some of the winning entries. Editing: Adam Greenbaum
More than a half-million refugees in Kenya will not receive assistance from the U.N. refugee agency, due to a lack of funding. Amid the tough conditions, a refugee-led organization in Nairobi — Youth Voices Community — is helping thousands of refugees through education in business and learning new skills to earn a living. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
Greece is under growing pressure to launch an investigation into the June 13 sinking of a vessel that was carrying up to 750 migrants. At least 82 people died and hundreds are still missing, including many women and children. Most were from Egypt, Syria and Pakistan. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The White House is pulling out all the stops for a state visit for India’s leader, Narendra Modi, this week. He and President Joe Biden have a lot of ground to cover — including relations with China, the conflict in Ukraine and bilateral issues — but hopes are high in the White House that Washington and Delhi will forge ahead in important areas. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
Almost 900,000 Palestinians living in the West Bank are classified as refugees, meaning they were displaced from their homes in what became the State of Israel in 1948. About a quarter of them live in refugee camps that are crowded and poor and have frequently been the scene of clashes with Israeli soldiers. VOA visited the Balata refugee camp in the northern West Bank and filed this report. Camera: Ricki Rosen
As Ukrainians fight to retake Russian-occupied areas in their counteroffensive, VOA visits a reclaimed Ukranian village now laden with explosives that may take a decade or more to clear. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Kamyanka. (Camera: Yevhenii Shynkar)
The U.N. says that among 8 million refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine, 90% are women and children. With martial law prohibiting most men from leaving the country, many of Ukraine’s women who go abroad have no choice but to take care of their families alone. As part of VOA World Refugee Day coverage, Warsaw reporter Lesia Bakalets heard from some of the women who have taken refuge in Poland. VOA footage by Daniil Batushchak.
A deadly protest in her home city and the jailing of her brother has prompted Zubayra Shamseden to devote her career to publicizing severe rights abuses against Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region, systematic oppression that China denies takes place. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has this story.
China’s mass arrests of Uyghurs and ethnic minorities in Xinjiang has been condemned by the West. One VOA journalist witnessed the repression and fear of arrest firsthand. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has more.
For decades, Kasim Kashgar has lived in fear: first as a Uyghur living in China's Xinjiang region under Beijing's repressive policies, and later as an exile, acutely aware that speaking out could put his family in China at risk. As a journalist covering Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities for VOA News, Kasim wrote under a pen name. In 2023, the year his asylum was granted, he decided to speak out. This is his story.
Personal health-monitoring is coming to the most private of places: the toilet. Matt Dibble looks at new devices that track human waste in this edition of LogOn.
Aden Abdulahi overcame many challenges growing up in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp, where he fled after declining a call to join the al-Shabab militant group in Somalia. Today he is a journalist, working with the UNHCR-supported refugee community radio station Radio Gargaar. As the world marks Refugee Day, Juma Majanga spoke with Abdulahi about his work and his dreams.
According to UNICEF, over 4 million people in Kenya face severe food insecurity. VOA’s Omary Kaseko visited a family impacted by five seasons of severe drought in the north.
Every year, on June 20, we mark World Refugee Day, highlighting the plight of those who are either forced or choose to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution or just to seek a better future. But not all of them are classified as refugees. VOA looks at the distinctions.
The United Nations says around two-thirds of refugees around the world have lived in foreign countries for more than five years, because of protracted crises. The media tend to focus on the newly displaced, so to mark World Refugee Day, VOA takes a look at what hope there is for refugees who appear destined to live large portions of their lives without access to work and services because of their refugee status. Henry Wilkins reports from N’djamena, Chad.
World Refugee Day, designated as such by the United Nations, is marked every year on June 20. The day is meant to highlight the plight of refugees around the globe who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict or persecution. The theme of World Refugee Day 2023 is “hope away from home,” according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. Here’s a look at some key facts about the current state of refugees in the world today.
June 20 marks the UN-designated World Refugee Day, reminding the world that seeking safety is a universal right grounded in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
In fear for her life, former female Afghan police officer Sweeta Yousafi fled her country for Pakistan once the Taliban took over in August 2021. The widow now lives with her only daughter in poverty. VOA’s Nazar ul Islam has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Turkey hosts more refugees than any other country in the world, including more than 3 million Syrians escaping the civil war. Newly reelected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is standing by his refugee policy of admitting millions of refugees, mainly Syrians, into Turkey and them allowing to stay despite growing public opposition. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Dozens of Afghan refugees enter Serbia every day, having taken treacherous routes in hopes of reaching Western European countries. VOA’s Wali Arian spent time with refugees in Belgrade and filed this report narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
Chinese and U.S. officials say the two countries made progress during meetings between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top leaders. Blinken made his first visit to China at a time of increased tensions over Taiwan, Beijing's ties to the Kremlin, and Chinese military actions that Washington has called "unsafe." VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reports. Produced by: Barry Unger
A new film charts the response of the large Iranian community in Los Angeles to the brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Paris, Iranian communities across the world are coming together to try the help their countrymen and women back home. Camera: Vahid Karami
Women on the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe are finding creative ways to make a living and protect the environment. Oscar Medeiros spoke to some of them in this story narrated by Barbara Santos.
June 21 marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere – in Seattle, Washington, the summer solstice was celebrated this past weekend with the annual Fremont Solstice Parade. Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
A Somali woman announced her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis Park, a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. If elected, she would become the first Muslim and Somali mayor in the state. Mohamud Mascadde has this story from Minneapolis, narrated by Salem Solomon.
The environmental impact of Russian’s war on Ukraine led to the deaths of up to 50,000 dolphins, say Ukrainian scientists. Iryna Shynkarenko has more in this report narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Oleksii Osyka
Monday marks the Juneteenth federal holiday in the United States. The name comes from the day after the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865 — June 19th — when U.S. soldiers arrived at the island city of Galveston, Texas, and informed slaves that they were free. Slaves had already been freed in other parts of the South, but most in Texas were kept in bondage until the Army arrived. As Greg Flakus reports, while the holiday is celebrated nationwide, it has special significance to the people of Galveston.
California photographer Jason Perry has been volunteering for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion, collecting donations and clothes for civilians and medications for combat teams. During one trip, he brought more than $200,000 in humanitarian aid. Anna Kosstutschenko spoke with Perry. Camera - Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Getting vaccinated is an effective way to prevent infection from human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer in women and other cancers in men. But the vaccine is neither available nor affordable to many in Venezuela. For Adriana Nunez Rabascall in Caracas, Venezuela, Cristina Caicedo Smit narrates the story. Camera - Jackson Vodopija.
Former President Donald Trump’s indictment over his handling of classified materials is sowing some divisions among Republicans. Veronica Balderas Iglesias has a wrap on some of the statements made over the weekend.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Washington for a state visit on June 22 aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, mutual concerns over China’s growing assertiveness are giving momentum to ties despite the two countries’ differences. (Videographer: Darshan Singh)
Nestled among the bustling city streets of Washington is a hidden oasis that many Americans don't know exists. Congress established the U.S. National Arboretum in 1927. Vital scientific research is under way at the sprawling 183-hectare compound. VOA's Dora Mekouar reports on the arboretum’s critical government mission. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
In 2014, the Yazidi minority in Iraq came under assault from Islamic State group fighters who drove them from their homes. Now some refugees are arriving back to their hometowns after years of displacement. VOA’s Kawa Omer has the story from Sinjar, Iraq, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf have long battled in court over competing claims affecting men’s professional golf. But in a surprise move last week, the groups announced they would merge commercially. Some U.S. senators are alarmed. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports.
Flooding caused by Kakhovka dam explosion in Ukraine earlier this month could be felt as far away as the Mykolaiv region some 50 kilometers away. The Inhulets River spilled over and flooded a number of villages, Vasylivka among them. Today, locals are starting to come back to their homes. Yelyzaveta Krotyk has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Pakistan is facing a debt crisis. It must pay billions in debt servicing, but the state's coffers are almost empty. At the same time, hopes of reviving a stalled 2019 International Monetary Fund bailout program are fading. Is Pakistan just days away from a default? VOA’s Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman reports from Islamabad. Camera/Edit: Naveed Nasim, Wajid Asad, Malik Waqar Ahmed
With the war in Ukraine now in its second year, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are making longer-term plans to stay in Poland. As part of its World Refugee Day coverage, VOA visited a refugee center run by businesspeople and nonprofit organizations on the outskirts of Warsaw that is a temporary home to as many as 1,000 people. Lesia Bakalets reports. Camera: Daniil Batushchak
More than 1,500 explosives scattered around 10 hectares – this is what Halo Trust mine sweepers found in just a week in Ukraine's Mykolaiv region. This humanitarian NGO whose task is to clear landmines and other explosive devices has been working in Ukraine since 2015. Today, they mainly work in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Video: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Thousands of Sudanese continue to flee the war in their country every day, with many making the long trek south to Kenya. While a fortunate few have friends willing to help them, most of the new refugees are forced to live at the Dadaab refugee complex. While the burden is heavy, analysts say it is in Kenya’s interest to help the new refugees, and make an effort to end the war in Sudan. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.
Defense leaders from about 50 nations held another meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Thursday at NATO headquarters to discuss Kyiv’s current needs following the start of its latest counteroffensive. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has more from Brussels.
The U.S. State Department has released its annual report on human trafficking, Among its findings: Online scams that entrap people into forced labor are on the rise, and boys and young men face an increased risk of being trafficked. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
The international credit rating agency Moody’s and the International Monetary Fund say the Sudan conflict will harm its neighbors’ economies if it continues. In the markets of N'djamena, Chad's capital, traders and customers alike have already been feeling the pinch from high inflation as the economic fallout of the war threatens their love of hot, sweet, tea. Henry Wilkins reports. (Camera and Produced by: Henry Wilkins)
Tune in for a look at the historic indictment of the former U.S. President Donald Trump. We’ll explain the legal process and the potential impact on the 2024 Presidential election. This week on The Inside Story, Trump Faces Federal Charges.
When people learn how Russian forces treat Ukrainian POWs, they are genuinely shocked, says Arseniy Fedosiuk, a member of Ukraine's "Azov" brigade and former POW. Today, he and his wife are in the U.S. describing life as a prisoner of Russian forces. Tatiana Vorozhko has the story. Camera: Dmytro Melnyk Produced by: Kostiantyn Golubchyk, Anna Rice
Finland’s accession to NATO and Sweden’s bid for membership have turned the Baltic region into a stronghold of alliance forces, a new political-military scenario very different from the one that existed prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Estonian capital, Tallinn.
Chinese manufacturers of electric vehicles are stepping up their push to dominate the European market. As Amy Guttman reports from London, they are making progress in Britain, where car shoppers are eager to buy the lower-cost electric cars that Chinese automakers are offering.
Farmers in Ghana are embracing new methods to reduce food spoilage after the harvest and boost their revenue streams. The changes are coming at a crucial time. The West African country's post-harvest loss rate has steadily increased in recent years, affected by storage difficulties and dwindling means of export. Nneka Chile reports from Accra, Ghana.
Analysts say the international community is reluctant to put pressure on the Chadian government to transition to civilian rule. In this report from N’djamena, reporter Henry Wilkins speaks to one man arrested during protests against the junta and local politicians who say civilians need political representation to air their grievances against the state.
A nonprofit in Washington is helping refugees from around the world learn English. Ksenia Turkova met with some Ukrainians who wound up in the U.S. capital and are learning English. Camera: Bogdan Osyka.
The United Nations says it is concerned about the prevalence of sexual violence in camps for internally displaced people in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Activist Passy Mubalama and others are trying to help women at risk. VOA’s Paul Ndiho visited the Lushagala camp and has this story.
In April, the FBI arrested two men accused of operating a secret police station in New York City on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China. Similar covert operations have been reported in dozens of cities around the world. Human rights groups investigating these so-called precincts say they’re being used to go after Chinese dissidents living overseas. How do these outposts operate, what are the concerns, and what’s being done to stop them?
A terrestrial emergency is unfolding the world over, and Africa is particularly at risk. In addition to the exponential change in weather patterns and food systems already experienced by many communities across the continent, the projected effects of climate change, deforestation, and land degradation could result in the extinction of species and have profound effects on people and ecosystems. The world’s youngest continent is under siege, in particular, the 70 percent of her population who are under thirty, are staring at a bleak future, unless they do something urgently. Juma Majanga looks at how Africa’s young leaders are fighting to save the planet.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his first state visit to Washington in nine years on June 21. The trip comes as the United States and India increase cooperation in critical emerging technologies. Matt Dibble has the story.
The UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, says that driven largely by the war in Ukraine, forced displacement hit a record high last year, with more than 110 million people forced from their homes across the world. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw. Videographer: Daniil Batushchak
Israel and China have developed close relations over more than 30 years. But American pressure on Israel has Israel pulling back from those ties. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
From cleaning cow sheds to hitting fastballs, Dennis Kasumba, an 18-year-old catcher from Uganda, is turning his American baseball dream into reality. VOA’s Arzouma Kompaore, caught up with Kasumba in Frederick, Maryland and has this story.
In America, there are about 1,600 programs in 13 states and Washington, D.C that offer dual-language classes. Students in Vietnamese language programs in California and Virginia are ending the school year with high hopes for the future. For VOA Titi Tran reports
Six percent of all maternal deaths around the world are caused by obstructed labor, according to the World Health Organization. That’s when a baby can’t move through the birth canal. It can also lead to obstetric fistula, a condition that can have a long-term impact on a woman’s health, especially in developing countries. Reporter Idd Uwesu has more from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in this report narrated by Omary Kaseko. Video:
Illicit vendors of the chemicals used to make the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl are exploiting mainstream online platforms to advertise their products and allegedly smuggle them into the United States. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias investigated how they operate. VOA's Mandarin service contributed to this report.
After arriving in the U.S., refugees face many challenges. A main one is finding jobs and building new careers. Emma’s Torch, a nonprofit organization in Brooklyn, New York and Washington D.C., is helping refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking take the next step with their culinary training program and job placement help. (Directed by: Aaron Fedor, Kathleen McLaughlin; Produced by: Aaron Fedor, Kathleen McLaughlin; Camera: Kyle Dubiel)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to China later this week, a trip that was rescheduled from February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew through US airspace. VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching reports expectations are low that Blinken’s trip will be able to reset the two countries’ fraught relationship
Pride Month in the United States includes a parade in Los Angeles that is one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ events. This year’s celebrations come amid protests over school curricula and consumer boycotts of businesses marketing to LGBTQ+ customers. Genia Dulot has our story from Los Angeles.
It’s been a year since armed men in Nigeria’s southwest Ondo state rushed into St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church during a Mass and attacked worshippers, killing 41 people and injuring scores of others. Nigerian officials and the Catholic diocese held a memorial service and dedicated a park to honor the memory of those killed. Timothy Obiezu has the latest from Owo, one year on.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday underscored U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and announcing $325 million more in military aid ahead of an annual summit of NATO members in Lithuania’s capital in July. White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Former President Donald Trump remained defiant following his not guilty plea in a Florida courtroom Tuesday. The Republican presidential front-runner is facing 37 federal felony counts, including illegally retaining classified information and obstructing justice. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report. Camera - Celia Mendoza
In its heyday, Hong Kong was the Hollywood of Asia, turning out stars such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat and recent Best Actress Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. While the industry has seen a decline over the past two decades, Hong Kong is experiencing what some say is a film revival, despite stricter controls and censorship. For VOA, Cindy Sui reports from Hong Kong.
The United Nations expects close to one million people to flee Sudan by October, most of them to neighboring countries like the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. But most of those nations have their own problems with people displaced by conflict who face food insecurity and instability. Henry Wilkins reports from Borota, Chad, on what Sudanese refugees will face in their host communities.
The Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF has ruled the country for 43 years. But the opposition party thinks the nation’s poor economy might give it an opportunity to make gains in the country’s upcoming elections. Columbus Mavhunga has this report from Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
The US Department of Homeland Security is looking at how artificial intelligence can be used to help identify goods made with child or forced labor and to prevent them from entering the country. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
For many American children, running a lemonade stand during the hot summer months serves as their first venture into the world of business. Two sisters from Seattle took the idea to a whole new level. VOA Correspondent Natasha Mozgovaya has their story.
Muslim migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border have a safe place in Tijuana at a shelter with halal food, separate areas for men and women, and prayers five times a day. Genia Dulot has our story. Video editor: Barry Unger.
Journalism — once a popular career path for young Afghan men and women — is losing its appeal for new students as the Taliban ban women from higher education and the country’s media work in an increasingly restrictive environment. For VOA, Shaista Sadat Lami has the story.
Across the United States this past weekend, demonstrators protested the transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children to territories occupied by Russia. VOA Correspondent Natasha Mozgovaya reports from Seattle.
Newly released video shows the moment four siblings were found in the Amazon jungle after going missing for 40 days. The children's experience began when their plane suffered an engine failure and crashed in the middle of the dense Colombian jungle. Cristina Caicedo Smit narrates the story.
In the United States, women's access to legal abortion depends on where they live. The Western U.S. state of Idaho has some of the toughest laws against abortion, and that may be having an impact on women who are trying to have babies. Deborah Bloom has our story.
The new Modern Art gallery at the Denver Art Museum includes two painters from Ghana. VOA’s Scott Stearns gives us a look.
Recent clashes in Northern Kosovo between Kosovars and ethnic Serbs are raising concerns about a possible new conflict in the region. From Brussels, Valentina Vasileva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by David Gogokhia.
Ukrainian Air Force pilots say they are eager to learn how to fly F-16 fighter jets and use them in combat against Russian forces. A coalition of nations, including the United States and eight European countries, are partnering to expedite the training. VOA's Myroslava Gongadze spoke with some of Ukraine's battle-tested pilots about what is to come. Camera: Eugene Shankar Produced by: Daniil Batushchak
A three-year-old startup company is leading Kenya into the world of high-tech manufacturing, building a sophisticated workforce capable of making the semiconductors and nanotechnology products that operate modern devices from mobile phones to refrigerators. VOA's Africa correspondent Mariama Diallo visited the plant and has this story.
In Nigeria, poverty is the main reason children do not go to school, but there are increasing efforts to close the gap. Gibson Emeka reports on one unique economic approach designed to get kids into school.
Zimbabwe's central bank’s efforts to arrest the sharp depreciation of the country's dollar seem to be failing as the currency took a nosedive and was trading Monday at more than 6000 against the U.S. dollar from about 2600 on the black-market - forcing prices up. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare where economists disagree on what the government should do.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday for his alleged mishandling of classified documents. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on how the opinion debates surrounding the case are growing in intensity and mostly along party lines. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
Environmental groups and aid agencies say a long road awaits Ukraine when it comes to assessing the real impact of its latest environmental catastrophe. An explosion at a vital dam last week flooded swaths of land in southern Ukraine, threatening a host of ecosystems and even Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
President Joe Biden on Saruday hosted what he described as the largest-ever White House event celebrating members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, during a month dedicated to celebrating gay pride. This year’s event comes amid a rash of laws passed in U.S. states and around the world that critics say hamper the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
A thick haze from Canadian wildfire smoke covered cities in the northeastern U.S. this week. U.S. East Coast residents are unaccustomed to such pollution. VOA Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti explains what’s different and shows us the strange look of the New York City skyline.
June 28 marks the fifth anniversary of the worst attack on media inside the U.S, when a gunman opened fire in the Capital Gazette newsroom. The events of that day left an indelible mark on the journalists who survived. VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story from Annapolis, Maryland. Camera : Nelson Viñoles, Saqib Ul Islam
For Ukrainian farmer Yuriy Voychenko trying to work under Russian occupation was in his words nothing but “dead farm workers and injured cattle”. Russian forces left in September 2022, but they left behind a deadly legacy of their occupation: mines, scattered throughout his fields in Kharkiv. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Camera and edit: Pavel Suhodolskiy
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday announced an economic partnership focusing on energy transition and key technologies, and also vowed continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Brazilian indigenous people held demonstrations in protest of a measure approved by the lower house of Congress that opponents say would limit their land rights and environmental protections. Yan Boechat has more from Sao Paulo.
We explore the importance of a free press and speak to a mental health expert about how journalists cope with covering difficult stories of horror. This week on The Inside Story, A Free Press Matters.
A painter in Ghana is using her art to campaign against child marriage. Awanle Ayiboro was forced into marriage as a teenager and is using her own experience to dispel misconceptions about the development of girls and young women. Victoria Amunga reports from Accra. Camera: Senanu Tord.
In the Pacific Northwest, one of America’s biggest community garden projects is celebrating its 50th anniversary. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya gives us a look.
Like most journalists, Kenya’s are dealing with an increase in disinformation that threatens to discredit their profession. They are also being targeted with violence for doing their jobs. For VOA, Saida Swaleh has the story from Nairobi. Camera: Rashid Ibrahim
Despite Western attempts to stifle Russia’s economy through sanctions following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, Russian trade volumes with dozens of countries have actually increased since the war began, according to an analysis by the Washington-based Atlantic Council. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Almost one-year after taking office, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Junior is getting mixed reviews from political analysts as he faces challenges domestically and abroad. Dave Grunebaum has the story.
Several challengers this week have jumped into the race to try to thwart former U.S. president Donald Trump from capturing the Republican Party's presidential nomination for a third consecutive time. Most notable among the new entrants: Trump’s longtime vice president, Mike Pence. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House explains Pence wasted no time doing what he previously hesitated to — forcefully criticize his former boss’ conduct in office.
Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT are presenting problems in Kenya’s education system, as in so many others. Some writers who offer academic assistance to students say AI tools are cutting into their business, while professors worry students have new ways to cheat. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
Parents of children at a Los Angeles elementary school protested a book that discusses families that include LGBTQ parents. They also protested a Pride Month gathering at the school. But counterprotesters joined in the demonstrations, too. Angelina Bagdasaryan reports, with Anna Rice narrating. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian .
Nigerian immigrant Yemi Mobolade is the new mayor of Colorado Springs, the second-largest city in the western U.S. state of Colorado. VOA’s Haruna Shehu has this story from his inauguration. Video editing by Kim Dickens and Jon Spier.
Pakistanis traditionally give generously to charity, but most avoid paying taxes. Now, charities are feeling the pressure as donations drop amid record-setting 38% inflation. Low tax collection, meanwhile, hurts economic growth, forcing more to rely on charities for survival. VOA's Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman has the story. Camera: Wajid Asad
After his May 29 inauguration, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu announced he would soon end a decades-old fuel subsidy, saying the country can no longer afford the cost. His comments sparked panic buying of gas and raised concerns about inflation in one of Africa’s top oil-producing countries. Gibson Emeka has this report from Abuja.
Camera: Gibson Emeka
Pangolins – a type of anteater – have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but the demand for their scales is putting some pangolin species at high risk of extinction. Officials in South Africa are trying to ensure the animal’s survival, cracking down on the illegal trade and rehabilitating rescued animals. Kate Bartlett reports from Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa. Camera and edit: Zaheer Cassim
Bob Gurr, the legendary amusement ride designer and imagineer who "designed everything on wheels" for Disney was also hiding a secret. It wasn't until the 2000s that Gurr announced his homosexuality to the world, and in so doing became something of an icon for Disney's gay community. Maxim Moskalkov spoke with the 91-year-old legend. Camera and edit: Elena Matusovsky, Anna Rice
South Korea scrambled fighter jets after Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered its air defense zone in the south and east of the Korean Peninsula. The incursion followed encounters between U.S. and Chinese forces in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, which the Biden administration cites as examples of growing aggressiveness by Beijing's military. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara takes a look at the rising tension between global powers playing out in the Indo-Pacific.
James Rubin, special envoy for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, spoke Tuesday to VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching about countering Chinese and Russian disinformation.
Ukrainian officials are on alert following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station and say the flooding from the damaged reservoir is threatening Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The nuclear plant, occupied by Russian troops for some time, uses water from the Kakhovka reservoir to cool its reactors. VOA's Eastern Europe chief Myroslava Gongadze has this story.
Moving around metropolitan areas can present challenges for individuals who are obese or have height limitations, as many public spaces are not designed to accommodate their needs. However, a new law adds weight and height to the list of characteristics that are protected from discrimination in New York City. Aron Ranen has the story.
With Turkey facing a looming financial crisis, newly reelected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has turned to market-friendly policy maker Mehmet Simsek to lead the finance ministry. Analysts say the move marks a dramatic economic policy pivot. But as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, questions remain as to whether Erdogan can follow through.
Tanzania’s government is encouraging drivers to switch from putting gasoline in their tanks to compressed natural gas (CNG). This initiative aims to lower carbon emissions that cause global warming. As Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, some drivers are also hoping the switch will save them money in the long run. Camera: Rajabu Hassan
Artificial intelligence, or AI, could potentially transform arts and entertainment, from music to movies, but it is also raising concerns. Is AI a creative tool or a threat to creators and artists? VOA’s Mike O’Sullivan examines the question. Camera: Roy Kim, Mike O’Sullivan
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is looking at how artificial intelligence can be used to help identify goods made with child or forced labor and prevent those goods from entering the country. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. VOA footage by Adam Greenbaum.
Kashmir valley, in the Indian- administered portion of Kashmir, is known for its unique craftsmanship. For centuries, locals learned skills from those who arrived from central Asia following the arrival of Islam in the region. However, among the hundreds of skills, three are in danger of being lost. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam reports from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.Camera and produced by: Wasim Nabi
The United Nations announced on June 1st that the number of refugees fleeing from Sudan to Chad has hit 100,000, with most coming from the West Darfur region. As the warring sides pull out of peace talks, analysts suggest a U.N. peacekeeping mission may be the only way to stem the violence in Darfur. Henry Wilkins reports from Koufroune, Chad
Russia is copying Iran’s tactics in trying to evade Western sanctions, according to a report from the Royal United Services Institute, a British policy institute. Henry Ridgwell has more from London.Camera: Henry Ridgwell Produced by: Henry Hernandez
For decades, American Jews have been Israel’s strongest supporters, from raising money for the nascent Jewish state to encouraging U.S. government support of Israel. But the Israeli government’s current plan to overhaul the judiciary has some American Jews questioning their support. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen.
Days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a team of U.S. soldiers training Ukrainians inside Ukraine were ordered to evacuate. Two months later, the soldiers — from the Florida National Guard's Task Force Gator — restarted and expanded their training of Ukrainians in Germany. The public has not seen video of the training because the Biden administration refused to release any — until now. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb brings you an exclusive look inside their mission.
Tens of thousands of people in Thailand celebrated Bangkok Pride with a parade on Sunday. Some Thais say they hope laws will one day allow same-sex marriage in a society that has already changed. Vijitra Duangdee reports from Bangkok.
Off the coast of Alaska, an outpost of about 4,000 people spills over two of the Aleutian Islands, Unalaska and Amaknak. A few Vietnamese families have braved the harsh conditions to build lives and businesses. VOA’s Dong Hai has the story, narrated by Titi Tran.
For many years, Kenya’s livestock market has faced challenges, like price instability, low purchasing power among consumers and limited marketing options for pastoralists. Now a Nairobi-based startup called M-nomad is offering small livestock farmers in rural areas a way to buy and sell their livestock online. For VOA, Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir County, Kenya.
Turkey’s newly reelected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing the challenge of balancing ties with Russia and Western allies. Ankara's ongoing veto of Sweden's NATO membership bid is a critical test of its loyalties and analysts suggest Erdogan may be looking for a reset with Washington. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Tigrayans who fled Ethiopia's civil war to neighboring Sudan say they are not receiving enough aid due to the outbreak of violence there, but that they are afraid to return to Ethiopia because of alleged ethnic cleansing. Others, resorting to desperate measures, are falling victim to human traffickers promising to help them find passage to Europe. Henry Wilkins reports from N’Djamena, Chad.
The National Building Museum in Washington has launched a new long-term exhibition called Brick City, which re-creates the iconic architecture of cities around the world using Lego bricks. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Andrey Degtyarev
Stretch limousines — once a symbol of the rich and famous — are now rarely seen on the roads and at red carpet events. Karina Bafradzhian investigates why demand for limousines has declined.
In collaboration with the Ukrainian government, the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, has created an app that connects Ukrainians with their government so they can access public services — and use of the app's code has expanded to different countries. Iryna Matviichuk has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
The United States and China spent a weekend meeting in Singapore pointing fingers at each other. The two countries’ top military leaders accused one another of ratcheting up tensions in the Taiwan Strait in separate speeches in a summit meant to highlight unity. As VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports, the heightened rhetoric follows increasingly tense training maneuvers in the region.
The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, the retail giant Target, the brewer of the beer Bud Light — in the past month, all these businesses have been the focus of consumer boycotts for marketing to LGBTQ+ customers. From Los Angeles, Genia Dulot has the story.
In March, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the creation of a marine sanctuary across a wide swath of the Pacific Ocean. If finalized, it would help the U.S. meet its goal of protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030. The public comment period is underway, revealing the competing interests of conservation and economic development across the region. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
President Joe Biden spoke to graduates of the Air Force Academy at an uncertain time for global peace. VOA spoke to an alumnus of the institution who graduated at another uncertain time — the Vietnam era — about what it was like to be in that seat more than 50 years ago. Anita Powell reports.
The International Energy Agency says Chinese car manufacturers are emerging as a major force in the global electric car market, with more than 50% of all electric cars on roads worldwide now produced in China. Spain is the second-largest vehicle manufacturer in Europe after Germany and its market has become a target for Chinese automakers. From Barcelona, Alfonso Beato has this report, narrated by Marcus Harton.
We take a closer look at the growing threat of Fentanyl. Highly addictive, cheap, and potentially lethal, this synthetic opioid is responsible for a dramatic spike in overdose deaths across the United States. How are communities, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement responding to this new danger? This week on The Inside Story, The Fentanyl Threat.
The US Border Patrol has recorded more than 8,000 migrant deaths along the US-Mexico border since 1998. VOA immigration reporter Aline Barros visited a South Texas county with a high number of migrant deaths. Camera: Henry Hernandez, Hai Lun, Victor Hugo Castillo, Ning Lu
Zimbabwe's government has instituted several measures it says will increase demand for the local currency and raise its value, as well arrest demand for the U.S. dollar. But as Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, economists say the new measures will not work as Zimbabweans have lost faith in the local dollar which continues sliding against the greenback. Videographer: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Almost two dozen people have died from cholera just outside South Africa's capital, Pretoria, over the past two weeks, and hundreds have been hospitalized. VOA spoke to residents who have been affected and officials who are still searching for the source. Kate Bartlett reports from Hammanskraal, South Africa. Camera: Zaheer Cassim.
Amid fresh strikes on Kyiv and as Ukraine readies its counteroffensive against Russia, another former Soviet republic is watching closely. In 2008, Georgia waged a brief war against Moscow and pro-Russian separatists, losing its breakaway region of South Ossetia, and another, Abkhazia. Now, as Georgia’s population looks firmly westward, some accuse its government of leaning towards Moscow — risking Georgian hopes to join the European Union. Lisa Bryant reports from the capital Tbilisi and near the border of South Ossetia.
In 2019, Nigeria enacted a disability law to promote inclusivity, but rights groups say the law hasn’t altered the status quo and many people still feel marginalized. One Nigerian newspaper has created a way to reach more visually impaired Nigerians. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Lawmakers in the Philippines are targeting online casino operators and regulators as they try to crack down on the country’s growing network of cryptocurrency scams and the human trafficking connected to them. Dave Grunebaum looks at the issue and one victim’s story.Camera: Dave Grunebaum
The Kenyan government says it has entered or plans to enter labor agreements with Canada, Germany, the United States, and certain Persian Gulf nations. The agreements aim to ease the path for Kenyans to work overseas. But advocates for workers’ rights say such agreements, especially with Gulf nations, leave workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, learning lagged for students around the world, including the U.S., where many had access to online learning. Now these soon-to-be graduates say they are behind in certain subjects because of time missed at school. VOA’s Laurel Bowman sat down with high school seniors on the cusp of graduation. Camera: Adam Greenbaum, Saqib Ul Islam.
Moldova on Thursday hosts a symbolic summit of EU leaders where Moldovan leaders hope to push their country’s longstanding bid for integration into the European Union. That effort has fervent supporters and opponents, both internal and external. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in Chisinau, Moldova.
North Korea Wednesday attempted to launch its first military spy satellite. The attempt failed, with the missile crashing into the ocean – but not before startling Seoul residents. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo in the South Korean capital.
Aiming to secure support for Sweden’s bid to join NATO, U.S. President Joe Biden signaled a transactional approach in his engagement with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The newly reelected Turkish leader has been one of the most consequential yet complicated members of the transatlantic military alliance. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report. Contributor: Anita Powell
Nigeria's National Petroleum Company NNPC Ltd. has backed the country's new leader's decision to stop paying long-standing petrol subsidies. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu made the announcement during his inauguration Monday in the capital, Abuja. Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually to keep fuel affordable at the pumps, and previous administrations' efforts to stop the subsidies often led to street protests. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
The construction of a road network to connect five West African countries and boost trading has not yet started because of regional politics. From Accra, Ghana, Senanu Tord reports on the corridor project stretching from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to Lagos, Nigeria, and the people whose livelihoods will be affected by it.
A year after U.S. President Joe Biden first launched what's known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, negotiations have yielded what Washington is calling a landmark agreement. VOA’s Chris Casquejo reports.
Intercommunal violence and fighting between Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in West Darfur state have intensified in recent days, according to reports. Witnesses who escaped the city of Geneina say their hometown is being ripped apart. Henry Wilkins reports from Adre, Chad.
Female artists examine their lives and cultures in an exhibition featuring art from the Middle East and other areas, now on display in Los Angeles. The exhibition, called “Women Defining Women,” explores the roles of women in traditional societies and modern life. Mike O’Sullivan takes a look.
A recent uptick in violence has not stopped cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians at a person-to-person level. Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem reports on how young scientists are working together in groundbreaking research and learning to know and understand each other. Camera: Ricki Rosen
South Africa’s currency, already under pressure, has plummeted to new lows after a US official accused the country of helping Russia. The plunge is causing concern among officials and investors, but as Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg, it’s the people who are feeling the impact the hardest.
A nonprofit group in Maryland is using technology to help give current and former prisoners a chance at a better life by training them to become auto technicians. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.Camera: Adam Greenbaum Produced by: Julie Taboh, Adam Greenbaum
A Kenyan aid group is using forensic image technology to help parents find their missing children. The Missing Child Kenya foundation says it has assisted in the location or rescue of more than 1,000 children in Kenya since its founding seven years ago. Victoria Amunga has the story from Nairobi. Video: Jimmy Makhulo
On Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May, Americans commemorate those who died while serving in the U.S. military. The day is also celebrated as the beginning of the summer season with family cookouts, a dip in the pool or a trip to the beach. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won Sunday's presidential runoff, giving him a third term in power. His victory comes despite an ailing economy and criticism over the handling of devastating earthquakes. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
As the U.N. calls for more participation of women globally in peace and security efforts, West African women are playing a more prominent role in the region's military effort to stop extremism. U.S.-led training is helping to bring more women to the front lines to win hearts and minds in terrorist hot spots. Henry Wilkins reports. Camera: Senanu Tord, Henry Wilkins.
In South Africa, a legal battle is being waged over people who live in shacks in Cape Town. City officials are reasonably confident they will win an order to tear down 300 shacks erected on pavements, under bridges and even at historic landmarks. But human rights groups say it’s not a done deal.
Depending on who you ask, the city of Bakhmut or separate parts of it are during any given week either controlled by Russian troops or by the Ukrainian Army. But the reality is that the city is in ruins and has been a dangerous and even deadly place for civilians, including some children who stayed during the fighting. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has one 16-year-old's story. VOA footage by Yuriy Dankevych.
A men’s knitting group in New York City is unraveling gender stereotypes by stitching in public, joining the multitudes of knitters who find the hobby calming as well as creative. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Vladimir Badikov
Zimbabwe officials hope vaccinations will tame a cholera outbreak as citizens continue to drink unsafe water. As Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, authorities are urging people to practice good hygiene to contain the waterborne disease. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
The Mogadishu Book Fair, an annual literary event that was launched in 2015, took place last week after a three-year break because of the COVID pandemic. The fair, meant to promote reading and Somali culture and heritage by bringing together literary creatives and young people, was held at the National Theatre of Somalia. Mohamed Sheikh Nor has more from Mogadishu.
Nigeria’s military this month rescued three more schoolgirls abducted by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram more than nine years ago in northeastern Borno state. In that 2014 incident, Boko Haram raided a government secondary school in the town of Chibok and seized nearly three hundred schoolgirls. Many of the girls have been freed through negotiations, but scores more remain captive. From Abuja, Timothy Obiezu has this report, narrated by Vincent Makori.
A meeting of a United Nations committee dedicated to eradicating plastic pollution begins in Paris Monday. Plastic piles up from ocean beds to landfills. Manufacturers have begun the shift to biodegradable materials, but the billions of tons of plastic waste already in our environment are here to stay, at least for now. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Republican and Democratic House leaders expressed optimism Sunday that they will get enough votes in favor of raising the debt ceiling. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has details on a deal that has in principle, been struck. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
After a sleepless night due to Russian drone attacks, residents of the Ukrainian capital marked Kyiv day, the birthday of the 1541-year-old city. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze has this report from Kyiv.
Along with the poaching of elephants for their ivory and rhinos for their horns, wildlife officials in South Africa are dealing with a new problem -- the trafficking of succulents, plants that don’t need much watering. Many types of succulents in South Africa's semi-arid Karoo region are now critically endangered because of a sharp rise in illegal harvesting for international markets -- with China being the main destination. Kate Bartlett reports from the Little Karoo, South Africa.
Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday dedicated to those who died while serving in America’s wars. To commemorate the day, which falls on the last Monday in May, people flock to Washington to decorate the graves of fallen military service members, attend parades and visit national monuments. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more.
Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao was in the U.S. this week, meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The meetings took place days after President Joe Biden signaled a thaw in bilateral relations strained by trade and security issues and the takedown by a U.S. fighter jet of a Chinese espionage balloon over American territory in February. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Thais voted for the progressive Move Forward Party to lead their next government. But over a week later, powerful political enemies are blocking the party's progress — and forcing an early climbdown over the controversial royal defamation law. Vijitra Duangdee reports from Bangkok.
For a second year, the war in Ukraine is adding to worries for American farmers already pinched by higher interest rates. VOA's Kane Farabaugh speaks with farmers in the Midwest state of Illinois about the impact of world events as they launch another planting season. Camera: Kane Farabaugh.
The US Labor Department says the number of children employed in violation of labor laws has been on the rise since 2015. While the total number of violations is still lower than it was two decades ago, experts say the increase is troubling. For VOA News, Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera and video edit: Andre Sergunin and Anna Rice
The traveling art exhibition "Icons on Ammo Boxes" stopped in New York City in early May, featuring the work of Ukrainian artists Oleksandr Klymenko and Sonya Atlantova. The two paint traditional Christian icons on real ammunition boxes from the Ukranian front lines, symbolically portraying life overcoming death. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Vladimir Badikov
The United States and South Korea are kicking off three weeks of massive military drills. The move is part of a show of force against North Korea, which has accelerated its own missile launches. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo, who reports from Pocheon, South Korea, near the demilitarized zone.
More than 1 million people have started learning Ukrainian since February of last year, according to data from language learning app Duolingo. They say interest in Ukrainian remains high, and the top three countries with the most learners of the language are the United States, Britain and Poland. Correspondent Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, made up of military leaders from about 50 nations, met Thursday to discuss what Kyiv needs to counter Russian invaders, along with plans for Ukrainians to train on and acquire F-16 fighter jets. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
The fighting in Sudan has destroyed hospitals and medical care in the country, and patients who fled the conflict are desperate for treatment. In the absence of medical aid, a Sudanese pharmacist who fled Sudan in recent weeks is doing what he can to help other refugees at a camp in neighboring Chad. Henry Wilkins reports from Koufrone, Chad.
Turkish voters will cast ballots in the country's presidential runoff election on May 28. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the front-runner after narrowly scoring an outright win in the first round and securing a majority in parliament. But analysts say challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu has an outside chance if he can galvanize his voting base. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Leaders from the world's wealthiest economies meet in Hiroshima, Japan. What came from the annual g7 summit? Plus, Ukraine's president draws parallels between world war two and what's happening in his country. This week on The Inside Story: Policies of Deterrence
Greek authorities have been caught on film apparently forcing asylum seekers into a life raft and abandoning them at sea. Human rights groups have long accused Athens of such practices. Greece denies carrying out so-called pushbacks and says it has launched an investigation into the video. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Western leaders have provided Ukraine with financial and military support in its fight against Russian aggression. Some humanitarian organizations say that has affected the amount of aid going to other countries, like the Democratic Republic of Congo. VOA’s Paul Ndiho visited the Sake camp for the internally displaced in the eastern province of North Kivu.
Teachers from 115 schools in the Mozambican province of Manica are creating their own teaching material using cardboard, plastic gallon jugs, and bags made from raffia leaves, offered by the community. They say they’re saving money by replacing expensive conventional teaching material while helping the environment, in this story narrated by Barbara Santos.
Art from across Africa is on display in a newly renovated gallery at the Denver Art Museum in the U.S. state of Colorado. VOA’s Scott Stearns shows us what is on display.
Some US doctors are helping their Ukrainian counterparts master new technologies to perform complex facial reconstructive surgery. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story from Lviv, Ukraine. Camera and edit: Yuriy Dankevych
The city of Dnipro in southeastern Ukraine has been the scene of heavy bombardment by Russian forces. Ukrainian officials say at least eight people were wounded and scores of buildings damaged in airstrikes Monday. Despite the attacks, the strategically important city is holding steady. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze has this on the scene report from Dnipro.
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has officially entered next year’s presidential election. But to face the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, President Joe Biden, he will have to vanquish former President Donald Trump. The story from VOA’s chief national correspondent, Steve Herman, at the White House. Videographer: Saqib Ul Islam
A year after the brutal killing of 19 schoolchildren and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, President Joe Biden is calling for “common-sense gun laws” that will limit access to military-style assault weapons. His political opponents have consistently resisted the move, and a year later, not much has changed. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
A small company devoted to low-cost space launch systems will take part in an upcoming mission to put an uncrewed lander on the moon. As Mike O’Sullivan reports, it’s one of many small companies hoping for a role in a future moon base.
The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, is moving tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Chad away from the Sudan border and into new camps. The UNHCR's visiting deputy says concerns about security and access to aid are increasing, along with the number of refugees. Henry Wilkins reports from the Gaga refugee site in Chad.
As a Chinese envoy continues talks in Europe after meetings in Ukraine, a senior U.S. State Department official said there is not much indication that China is willing to use its influence in Moscow to end Russia's war on Ukraine. A Czech lawmaker is also skeptical of China's peacemaking efforts. VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more.
Ahead of Turkey's presidential runoff vote on Sunday, independent election monitors are stepping up their efforts amid voter concerns following reports of irregularities in the first round. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Authorities in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu are implementing a plan to regulate the city’s autorickshaw taxis to ease traffic congestion, while drivers call for reduced taxes. Abdiaziz Barrow spoke to people impacted by the regulation in Mogadishu and Abdulaziz Osman in Washington wrote this story that is narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera: Abdulkadir Zubeir
Israel is attempting to deepen its already close ties with many African countries by providing access to technology that can help Africa deal with its growing population. Officials from six African officials visited Israel last week to discuss more cooperation. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
In the Philippines, a high number of children haven’t received routine vaccinations. So now health care workers are on a major inoculation drive. Dave Grunebaum has the story.
The cycle of violence continues in the Israeli-occupied territories, as Israel destroyed the home of a Palestinian man it says was involved in a March attack in Tel Aviv that killed one person and wounded two others. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
In the United States, May is a month to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage. Genia Dulot takes us to a celebration in California.
The United Nations estimates that more than 843,000 Sudanese have been displaced by the fighting inside Sudan, which has entered its sixth week. Those who have escaped the country and those still inside describe dire conditions, as aid groups say the number of internally displaced is likely to become much higher. Henry Wilkins reports from Koufroun, Chad.
Seattle, Washington, is the first U.S. city to ban discrimination based on caste — the primarily Indian social hierarchy that is tied to family. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya has our story.
Fighting that broke out in Khartoum on April 15 shows no sign of stopping and citizens are paying a big price. Residents in Sudan’s capital city are enduring food shortages, electrical outages and constant fear. Sidahmed Ibraheem has more from Khartoum in this report narrated by Vincent Makori.
Delegations from across Asia will converge on Detroit later this week to review negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework – or IPEF. IPEF is the economic element in Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. And now, the Biden administration is trying to prove its commitment to the region after canceling a historic visit as VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
As Turkey heads to a presidential runoff on May 28, challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu is targeting nationalist voters with an anti-refugee and strong security stance in a bid to overtake incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is exploring ways artificial intelligence can help detect fentanyl and prevent it from entering the country. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
Blind and visually impaired people often rely on walking sticks and guide dogs to help them navigate streets and sidewalks, but one Japanese startup is bringing navigation technology directly to their shoes. Tina Trinh reports
A team of volunteer doctors from the United States is joining with Polish and Ukrainian colleagues to help heal the scars of some of Ukraine’s children. The children are undergoing much-needed surgeries that have not been available in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The procedures are free of charge. Correspondent Lesia Bakalets visited a hospital in Leczna, Poland, where it is all happening and has this report. Videographer: Daniil Batushchak
The United Nations Children’s Fund recently said Sudan’s war has displaced at least 450,000 children from their homes, with tens of thousands fleeing into neighboring countries. Aid groups say these refugee children are being deprived of education, without which they are at higher risk for exploitation, child marriage and recruitment into armed groups. Henry Wilkins has more on the story from Borota, Chad, near the border with Sudan.
The United States and Papua New Guinea have agreed to sign a security pact, part of which is expected to give the U.S. vital access to the Pacific Island nation's waters. VOA's Ahadian Utama reports from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
After an anonymous TikTok user created a song using artificial intelligence that fooled many into thinking it was made by pop stars, experts say the music industry will have to decide how to handle AI music. Deana Mitchell has the story.
When their homeowners association ordered Maryland residents Janet and Jeffrey Crouch to rip out the native plants in their front yard and replace them with green grass, the couple refused. Homeowners' associations, also known as HOAs, are private organizations that oversee the management of some residential communities. They’re usually run by a board of volunteer homeowners. As VOA’s Dora Mekouar [meh-kwar] reports, the couple’s battle against their HOA, and in favor of the environment, ended up changing Maryland state law. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
So far this year, more than 670 teenagers and children in the U.S. have been killed in gun-related violence, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an independent data collection group. In Washington D.C., a mother who is also an army veteran is working with communities to tackle the problem. Karina Bafradzhian has the story. Videographer: David Gogokhia
Talks to prevent the U.S. defaulting on its debt continued Sunday, even as U.S. President Joe Biden made his way home after attending the G-7 summit in Japan. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has a recap of where Democrats and Republicans currently stand on raising the debt limit.
California’s temperate climate encourages outdoor activities, and for many residents, the state’s natural environment ranks high on their list of concerns. Mike O’Sullivan spoke with members of one California family that has taken the conservation message to heart. Camera: Roy Kim, Mike O'Sullivan
Wrapping up a three-day summit with allies of the Group of Seven leading democracies in Japan, U.S. President Joe Biden sought to reassure Beijing that conflict with the West is avoidable, even as the G7 ramps up pressure to push back against China’s rising military and economic security threats. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara traveled with the president. Here is her report.
It’s been more than a decade since the end of the Iraq War. Much of the country still bears the scars of the U.S.-led invasion. But Iraqis today are working to clean up their country, and some have turned to technology for help. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate in the Group of Seven summit in Japan, as the most powerful democracies unveil new sanctions against Russia and call out China for its trade practices. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Hiroshima.
VOA Mandarin's Hai Lun, Mo Yu and Ning Lu and VOA Spanish's Victor Hugo Castillo traveled to Mexican and Texas border cities to talk to Chinese migrants who had come from South America. VOA's Elizabeth Lee tells the story. Cameras: Hai Lun, Ning Lu, Victor Hugo Castillo, Oscar Cavadia.
The midwestern city of Chicago is struggling to accommodate a wave of migrants, many from Central and South America, transported to the city after entering the U.S. at America’s southern border. VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports on how the city and aid agencies are mobilizing to tend to asylum-seekers’ critical needs.
Russian-built helicopters arrived in Zimbabwe on May 18 in what authorities say is part of an effort by Russia to strengthen relations between the two countries. Analysts say Russia is rewarding Zimbabwe for not joining with nations seeking to isolate Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Keith Baptist attended the event in Harare and Salem Solomon has this story.
The U.N. says more than 4 million people in Nigeria's northeast are facing severe food shortages as global aid is stretched thin. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs took journalists to the region to see the worsening situation. Timothy Obiezu files this report from Maiduguri in Nigeria’s Borno State.
Despite increased political tensions, Israel and Jordan are implementing mutual water and solar energy agreements. Israel is building a new pipeline that will double the amount of water it sells at cost to water-starved Jordan. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Kfar Yehoshua in northern Israel. Videographer: Ricki Rosen
Authentic Ukrainian ethnic folk attire made a recent appearance on a runway at Metropolitan Fashion Week Seattle, held in the city's suburb of Woodinville. Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
Immigrants in the western U.S. state of Colorado have a unique place to go when they are not feeling well: a health care clinic that serves newcomers from many countries. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska has more about the facility, which was founded by a Ukrainian immigrant. Camera: Olena Andrushenko
A wave of mass arrests in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish region ahead of the May 14 elections is triggering concerns among the opposition and human rights observers. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Diyarbakir, Turkey’s largest majority-Kurdish city.
As prices for food and goods remain high in many countries, some economists say the persistent inflation is partly due to corporate profit-seeking. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
Fighters from Ukraine are expected to take part in the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany this September, even as Russia’s war on their country grinds on. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. VOA footage by Yuriy Dankevych.
More than 37 years have passed since the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, and for decades, American volunteers have helped both people and animals in the radiation-contaminated exclusion zone. 2022 was no exception, even though Russian troops occupied Chernobyl for a month. Iryna Shynkarenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America’s leading cause of overdose deaths is synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. U.S. law enforcement says illicit fentanyl is cheaply made from chemicals mostly coming from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then smuggled into the United States. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya looks at fentanyl in Washington state in a series that today explores how stigmas about fentanyl abuse complicate treatment for addicts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America’s leading cause of overdose deaths is synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. U.S. law enforcement says illicit fentanyl is cheaply made from chemicals mostly coming from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then smuggled into the United States, says U.S. law enforcement. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya looks at fentanyl in a series from the state of Washington that concludes by showing how breaking free from addiction can be a lifelong journey.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America’s leading cause of overdose deaths is synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. U.S. law enforcement says illicit fentanyl is cheaply made from chemicals mostly coming from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then smuggled into the United States. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya looks at community efforts to tackle the challenges of fentanyl abuse and homelessness.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America’s leading cause of overdose deaths is synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. U.S. law enforcement says illicit fentanyl is cheaply made from chemicals mostly coming from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then smuggled into the United States. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya looks at fentanyl in Washington state with a series of stories that includes how U.S. law enforcement is responding.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America’s leading cause of overdose deaths is synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. U.S. law enforcement says illicit fentanyl is cheaply made from chemicals mostly coming from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then smuggled into the United States. From Seattle, VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya looks at fentanyl in the state of Washington in a series of stories that starts with one teenager’s overdose.
Ukrainians are on war footing, even if they’re not the ones on the front lines. A much hyped and widely expected spring counteroffensive could come any day now. But Ukraine’s defense minister recently warned against putting too much hope in his country’s counterstrikes. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated that the United States could run out of cash as early as June 1. Her warning comes days before President Joe Biden is expected to hold meetings with Democrats and Republicans about the need to raise the debt ceiling. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains what’s at stake. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
US officials are warning that China and Russia would capitalize on the 'chaos' that would ensue if the United States defaulted on its debt. The warnings come amid a monthslong standoff between President Joe Biden and Republicans in securing congressional approval to raise the nation’s debt limit. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of London on Saturday to witness the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III in a ceremony filled with tradition and colorful pageantry and watched by millions around the world online and on television. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
US officials are warning that China and Russia would capitalize on the 'chaos' that would ensue if the United States defaulted on its debt. The warnings come amid a monthslong standoff between President Joe Biden and Republicans in securing congressional approval to raise the nation’s debt limit. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
In the U.S. state of California, a season of withering rainstorms caused widespread flooding and did potentially billions of dollars' worth of damage. But all that water also created a springtime spectacle of flowers. Titi Mary Tran reports
The American Association of University Women estimates that about 28% of professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math, also called STEM, are women. But in one Native American community teachers are working to get girls involved in the sciences. VOA's Virginia Gunawan reports from Tucson, Arizona. Camera: Rere Wahyudi, Supriyono
Britain is preparing for the coronation of King Charles the third, due to take place on May 6. Dozens of world leaders and heads of state have been invited to the historic ceremony, while millions are expected to watch on television. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
The White House says the United States was not involved in Wednesday’s drone attack on the Kremlin, after Russia claimed, without evidence, that the U.S. ordered the strike and Ukraine carried it out. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
This week, we're at the United Nations for the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Where is a free and independent media in the greatest danger? And who is fighting to ensure the rights of journalists? Join us on The Inside Story: A Free Press Matters.
Environmental groups sue the U.S. government over SpaceX’s launch license. Plus, a pair of spacewalks outside the International Space Station, and a glimpse at the destruction that scientists say awaits our home planet. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
In nearly six months of unrest in Iran, the regime turned to wholesale jailing of dissenting voices and threats to media overseas. But some experts say those tactics have lost their power to instill fear. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more. Camera: Mary Cieslak, Gary Jaffe
The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Abdirahman Kahin, a Somali American restaurant chain owner in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2023. Mohamud Mascadde in Minneapolis and Abdulaziz Osman Washington have more in this report, narrated by Salem Solomon. Videographers: Abdulaziz Osman and Mohamud Mascadde
Days before Russia invaded Ukraine, Canadian journalist Christian Borys, who had worked in Ukraine between 2014 and 2019, started a social enterprise called Saint Javelin to raise $500 for Ukraine ahead of what he saw as a looming invasion. Since then, Saint Javelin has become a powerful fundraiser for the war effort. Misha Komadovsky has the story from Toronto.
Bilan Media, an all-female media outlet in Somalia marked its first-year anniversary in April, bucking societal expectations of what a woman’s role should be. Mohamed Mahmud visited their newsroom in Mogadishu, narrated by VOA's Salem Solomon. Video editor: Salem Solomon
Zambia’s opposition has criticized an agreement with Kenya to allow Kenyan farming of maize in Zambia to help meet its food needs amid a record drought. The National Democratic Congress says Zambian farmers should be given priority for farming Zambian land for exports to Kenya and note problems with maize supplies at home. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka, Zambia. Camera: Richard Kille.
Ukrainian and Iranian women living in London are finding a common cause, joining in regular protests against Russian expansionism and the tyranny of the Iranian regime. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Umberto Aguiar in London.
The fountain pen is a writing instrument declared obsolete numerous times by technological innovations — the ballpoint pen, the typewriter, the computer keyboard, and now by rendering our voices into text on mobile phones. But the 19th-century invention is still evolving, thanks in part to an American mechanical engineer. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman reports from Philadelphia.
The Molotov Kitschen plus Cocktails, one of the first Ukrainian restaurants in Denver, Colorado, opened its doors in January. The venue’s owner is the grandson of Ukrainian immigrants, and every dish is a tribute to his family. Svitlana Prystynska has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Volodumur Petryniv.
Reporters Without Borders has just released its World Press Freedom Index for 2023, and it shows that journalists around the world face an increasingly hostile environment. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has a summary of the main findings. Jessica Jerreat and Lisa Bryant contributed to this report.
According to this year’s World Press Freedom rankings, the environment for journalism is bad in seven out of 10 countries worldwide. The yearly rankings published by Reporters Without Borders evaluates 180 countries. From Nairobi, VOA’s Mariama Diallo looks at the meaning of the rankings in Africa where analysts say journalism has become more difficult and dangerous.
As press freedoms have diminished in parts of East Africa, some journalists who fled threats at home have turned into activists, calling for stronger protections for the media. Victoria Amunga at VOA's Africa News Center in Nairobi tells the story of one such reporter who fled Somalia. Videographer: Jimmy Makhulo
Afghan protesters took to Paris streets this week, demanding the international community refuse to recognize the Taliban. The demonstration comes as a U.N.-convened conference is underway in Doha on how to engage with the Taliban. Jalal Mirzad has the story, narrated by Mary Alice Salinas. Roshan Noorzai contributed to this report.
The announcement of a seven-day cease-fire in Sudan’s troubled capital is being welcomed in capitals around the world, including Washington – but what happens now? Washington says officials continue to engage with Khartoum at the highest levels, as the African Union does the same. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House. Nike Ching contributed to her report.
With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodgan facing a tough re-election challenge, opposition and non-government organizations are stepping up efforts to ensure a fair vote amid growing concerns over voter security. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
The sowing season is in full swing in Ukraine despite a series of significant challenges that farmers face as Russia continues its war on the country. The agricultural industry faces mined fields, instability with the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and a ban on the export of four key products to five European Union countries. Lesia Bakalets has more from Warsaw, Poland. VOA footage by Daniil Batushchak.
New technology is using augmented reality for hearing-impaired people to see the words that are being spoken around them in real time. Deana Mitchell has more in this week’s LogOn.
Somalia has begun evacuating its citizens from Sudan, with more than 100 returning home on a flight from Khartoum Sunday night, and more flights promised in the coming days. The situation is being watched with special interest by a network of Somalis who were educated in Sudan in the years after the Somali government and schooling system collapsed. As Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports, these Somalis are still grateful to Sudan for the education they received and are hoping the fighting ends soon.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the White House Monday at a time of tension in the Indo-Pacific region. President Joe Biden said the U.S. commitment to the archipelago is "ironclad" amid enhanced military cooperation resulting in the Philippines granting the U.S. access to four more military bases. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House. Nike Ching contributed to her report.
Ten years ago, Native American photographer Matika Wilbur embarked on a road trip with an ambitious goal to document all 562 federally recognized Indigenous tribes. Her multiyear work culminated in a new book aiming to change the way people see Native Americans. She launched her book tour in her home state of Washington. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya has more from Seattle.
South Africans have embraced the continent's first professional cuddling service, where customers pay for platonic intimacy. Experts say isolation during the COVID pandemic, which hit South Africa hardest, and stress from its struggling economy are just two reasons why the cuddling business is booming. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg
A nonprofit in Maryland is giving current and former prisoners a chance at a better life by training them to become auto technicians. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Videographer: Adam Greenbaum
Most families from Bakhmut, Ukraine left months ago as fighting in their city became vicious. But now even those who vowed to stay to the end are leaving. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports with videographer Yan Boechat from Kostiantynivka, Ukraine.(Contributed by Yehor Konovalov)
Cambodia is drawing up an action plan to clean up more than 1,100 incomplete buildings in the southern port city of Sihanoukville, left abandoned by Chinese investors more than three years ago as the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. Luke Hunt reports from Sihanoukville. Sreynat Sarum and David Brown contributed to this report.
The first international cargo shipment with medical supplies landed Sunday in Port Sudan. It’s a glimmer of hope in the country, where a conflict between the armed forces and a paramilitary group has put thousands of innocent civilians at risk, including children, who are already severely malnourished. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the report. Video editors: Marcus Harton and Mary Cieslak.
Ghana has been encouraging African Americans to move to the West African nation since 2019, urging them to connect with their African roots and also to invest in the country. American Chaz Kyser has built a support system helping fellow African Americans, especially women, settle in Ghana, and to nurture their ideas for business. Senanu Tord reports from Accra, Ghana.
A widely anticipated spring counteroffensive in Ukraine will push on even without Western fighter jets in the skies. This, from Ukraine’s president, who said waiting to train on advanced aircraft could signal a timeline to Russian forces on the ground. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke as more deadly attacks hit Ukraine. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
The American Library Association says there were a record number of demands to censor U.S. library books last year, nearly double the challenges from the previous year. For VOA, Deana Mitchell takes us to a Texas town that is considering closing its library to block a court ruling ordering the return of banned books.
While a clear majority of Americans still drink alcohol, many others choose to skip it.. As the US marks April as Alcohol Awareness month, the nondrinkers in Washington can head to a perfect bar, called Binge Bar – Washington’s first booze-free bar. Karina Bafradzhian has the story. Video: David Gogokhia
The Kenyan government has evacuated citizens from troubled Sudan, but with a shaky cease-fire set to expire at midnight Sunday, the parents of Kenyan students who are stuck are appealing to Nairobi to speed up the departure process. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir County where more of the students are from.
The world record for the least sleep in a day among mammals goes to elephant seals, according to new research.
Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of the Kyiv, spoke with VOA about the Ukrainian capital as Russia’s war grinds on for a second year. Tatiana Vorozhko has the story. Camera: Svitlana Koval, video edit: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
Snake experts in South Africa say an energy crisis is partly to blame for a shortage of antivenom in sub-Saharan Africa that has left at least three people dead in the past three weeks. South Africa supplies antivenom to the region, but frequent power cuts have made it harder to store the refrigerated supplies. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town, South Africa.Camera: Shadley Lombard
This month a widely watched lawsuit over how U.S. cable network Fox News covered former President Donald Trump’s false allegations of election rigging in 2020 resulted in the network paying a near-record $787.5 million settlement to avoid a trial. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports.
Reports emerged this week that the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group could be supplying weapons to one of the warring parties in the conflict in Sudan. Salem Solomon has the story with Patsy Widakuswara contributing.
Scientists at New York University have untangled what they believe is the mystery behind the graying of hair. The discovery offers hope to individuals who spend considerable time and money at hair salons to ward off this evidence of aging, but hair colorists say they don’t think they will be put out of business. Aron Ranen reports from New York City.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rival in next month's election has confronted a political taboo in Turkey by talking about being a member of the Alevi Islamic minority sect. Over the centuries, the group has been the target of discrimination and violence. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Join us on this episode of The Inside Story as we explore the science behind climate change and its effects on our planet. This week on The Inside Story: Confronting the Climate Crisis - Episode 89
In a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told American lawmakers the 70-year-old alliance between their countries was stronger than ever. Earlier this week, Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to strengthen nuclear cooperation in the face of increasing regional tensions. VOA’s congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
A new poll shows that the war in Ukraine has hurt not only Russian efforts on the front lines but also the country's reputation worldwide. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Aleksandr Bergan.
The Commonwealth of Virginia, which borders Washington, D.C., was once one of America's biggest sources of gold. That industry went bust when prospectors headed west. But it could soon see a mini boom again, thanks to improved technology and rising gold prices. VOA's chief national correspondent Steve Herman set out to search for riches. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
Artificial intelligence, or AI, could potentially transform arts and entertainment, from music to movies, but it is also raising concerns. Is AI a creative tool or a threat to creators and artists? VOA’s Mike O’Sullivan examines the question.
China says it wants to act as a mediator in the Russia's war on Ukraine. Both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed they spoke by phone Wednesday, a conversation Kyiv has been asking for. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The United States and South Korea signed a landmark agreement Wednesday that gives Seoul a greater decision-making role in U.S. contingency planning against a possible North Korea nuclear attack, in exchange for Seoul agreeing not to pursue its own nuclear weapons program. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
In the first nine months of Russia’s war in Ukraine, a Polish business group says, Ukrainians started 14,000 companies in neighboring Poland. Now, those Ukrainian entrepreneurs are succeeding and making contributions to their country’s war efforts. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw.
French bulldogs fit their big personalities in small packages. Their unique blend of energy and cuteness has made them the most popular dog breed in the United States. For VOA News in Washington, Julia Riera has the story.
In the 1940’s, in what is now Lviv, Ukraine, a 13-year-old Jewish girl named Krystyna Chiger spent more than a year hiding from the Nazis in the city sewers to avoid capture. During that time, she wore a green sweater and later wrote a book about her experience called “The Girl in the Green Sweater.” That book sent a Maryland woman on a year's long odyssey. Ksenia Turkova reports. Camera: Alexey Zonov
India’s Supreme Court is holding landmark hearings on legalizing same sex marriage following petitions filed by several members of the LGBTQ community. Anjana Pasricha in New Delhi speaks to a gay couple who are among the petitioners on why the right to marry is important for them.
Showing up at the wrong front door, driving into the wrong driveway, retrieving a basketball from an angry neighbor’s yard … these are some of the scenarios that led to people being shot this month in the United States. Gun control activists say the shootings show the US needs stricter laws on who can buy a firearm. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more.
As a deeply divided Israel marks its 75th anniversary, analysts say Iran is gaining strength in the Middle East and could threaten Israel on several fronts. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen
After weeks of hinting he would run for reelection, U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally announced his candidacy for 2024 in a three-minute video that drew a stark picture of what he believes is at stake: the very soul of America. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington on the prospect of another election battle between Biden and his likely challenger, former President Donald Trump.
April 26th marks the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe in Ukraine - the biggest disaster at a nuclear power plant in history. Experts say four nuclear power plants currently operating in Ukraine are at risk due to the war. The one under the biggest threat is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which has been occupied by Russian troops for more than a year. For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw, Poland.Camera: Daniil Batushchak
In the 1940’s, in what is now Lviv, Ukraine, a 13-year-old Jewish girl named Krystyna Chiger spent more than a year hiding from the Nazi’s in the city sewers to avoid capture. During that time, she wore a green sweater and later wrote a book about her experience called “The Girl in the Green Sweater.” That book sent a Maryland woman on a year's long odyssey. Ksenia Turkova reports. Camera: : Alexey Zonov
Drones are routinely used in warfare, law enforcement and agriculture. Now more and more U.S. businesses are using them to deliver cookies and coffee right to your front door. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum, Chad Baugh
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that, following intense negotiation over the past 48 hours, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to implement a nationwide cease-fire starting at midnight Monday, to last for 72 hours. As VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, the news comes as foreign nationals and Sudanese civilians continue to leave the country.
Russia has threatened to scrap an initiative that enables the safe export of grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports to the world market. The threat comes after members of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations warned they may impose further sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The small town of Frankfort, South Africa, will face renewed power outages after a court ruled against the town’s use of an independent solar electricity producer instead of the national utility, Eskom. Eskom has struggled to keep the lights on across South Africa but threatened to cut off all power to Frankfort when the town sought alternative arrangements. Jan Bornman reports from Frankfort. Camera: Zaheer Cassim
With Russian troops occupying almost 20% of Ukrainian territory in Europe’s first major conflict since World War Two, Latvia, one of Russia’s Baltic neighbors, is reorganizing its defenses - reenergizing its volunteer force and raising discussions about reinstating its draft system. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Latvian capital, Riga.
U.S. President Joe Biden will host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House Wednesday. The state visit reflects the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, which this year marks its 70th anniversary. But the allies also face unprecedented challenges, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Seoul.
As more countries safely evacuate their diplomats from Sudan, U.S. citizens who are still stranded in the conflict-ridden African nation are being asked to continue sheltering in place and monitor U.S. official communications. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias takes a look at the options being considered to provide support to those left behind amid ongoing fighting between Sudan’s armed forces and a paramilitary group.
An organ transplant surgeon from New York is planning a third trip to Ukraine, where he has been working with doctors to help patients injured in Russia’s war on Ukraine. The surgeon, Dr. Robert Montgomery, is also working to raise money to buy medical equipment for a hospital in Lviv. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Pavlo Terekhov.
U.S. lawmakers have been reacting after the Supreme Court on Friday preserved women’s access to a pill long used for medically induced abortions while a lawsuit on the matter continues. The move blocked a lower court ruling that would have imposed restrictions on the use of the drug mifepristone. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
The U.S. State Department told VOA it is “aware of reports that a number of U.S. citizens were able to depart Sudan” on Saturday, despite heavy clashes in Khartoum. Hours earlier, Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah Burhan said his troops would facilitate the evacuation of diplomats and citizens from Britain, China, France and the U.S. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
France is trying to limit the diplomatic fallout after President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe should reduce its dependence on the U.S. and avoid ‘getting caught up in crises that are not ours’ after a state visit to China earlier this month. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
China is expanding its nuclear weapons capacity with Russia's help. This leaves top US officials and lawmakers in the position of having to decide how to respond to a new era in which the world has three major nuclear powers. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
Civilians in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum are caught in the middle of fighting between rival military factions. Sidahmed Ibraheem reports from Khartoum. Idrissa Fall and Carol Van Dam in Washington contributed to this report, narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera: Sidahmed Ibraheem.
The European Union is reportedly preparing emergency curbs on Ukrainian food products. Some Eastern European states have imposed their own import bans in recent days, complaining that a glut of cheap Ukrainian produce is hitting their own farmers. Ukraine’s struggles to export grain following Russia’s February 2022 invasion have raised fears of a global shortage, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
Ukrainian women from all walks of life have joined the armed forces to fight for their homes and country. Anna Kosstutschenko met with some near Bakhmut. Video: Pavel Suhodolskiy
Muslims in Minneapolis can now hear their call to prayer broadcast five times a day from mosques around the city, thanks to a new law. From Minneapolis, Mohamud Mascadde has the story, narrated by Salem Solomon.
The Pentagon is positioning military forces near Sudan to help evacuate U.S. Embassy personnel in Khartoum, if needed, amid the explosion of violence between the African country’s two warring factions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other leaders are pushing for a cease-fire until at least Sunday. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
A Biden administration review said the chaotic August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was largely the result of policy decisions made by the Trump administration. VOA's congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson spoke to House Foreign Affairs Committee members about next steps for oversight.
The outcome of Turkey's presidential elections next month is growing more uncertain, with a populist outsider entering the race and threatening to split the opposition vote — something that would help longtime incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Pacific Island nations are pushing back against Japan's request to release into the ocean treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was disabled in an accident 12 years ago. During the Group of Seven environment ministers meeting this month, the Islanders' effort gained momentum. VOA's Jessica Stone reports.
Fishermen in Madarounfa, Niger, count on Lake Madarounfa to provide them with a living and the food on their tables. But both are at risk because of a drought. Youssouf Abdoulaye has this report from Niamey, narrated by Salem Solomon.
Young pro-democracy activists rocked Thailand in 2020 with explosive calls for the army to leave power and for the monarchy to operate under the constitution. Many have been charged, jailed or bailed for their demands and activists say the May 14 election may be a final chance to reset the country on a democratic path. For VOA, Vijitra Duangdee has more from Bangkok. Videographer: Black Squirrel Productions
We're taking a closer look at the war in Ukraine and the lives of those living in towns under siege on The Inside Story: Battleground Ukraine.
In part three of our series on Ukraine’s battle zones, VOA travels to the formerly occupied city of Lyman, a strategic crossroad known locally as “Gates of Donbas.” Not far from towns that have been reduced to rubble, residents of the once-thriving city now sleep in the basements of abandoned factories and rail yards. Heather Murdock reports from Lyman with videographer Yan Boechat.
SpaceX’s giant week meets a fiery end. But company officials still say the launch of Starship was a success. Plus, the European Space Agency sets sail for Jupiter’s icy moons. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
European Union countries have agreed to extend a proposal to reduce the amount of natural gas they use by 15% until spring of 2024. The goal is to continue to reduce their reliance on Russian gas. Valentina Vasileva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Yuriy Zakrevskiy
The U.S. government and state legislators are ramping up efforts to limit the use of toxic chemicals known as PFAS (pronounced pee-fas) in everyday products and to regulate levels in drinking water. But as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias found out, scientists are going a step further by exploring ways to fully eliminate the so-called “forever chemicals.”
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili — imprisoned in Tbilisi for more than a year — is in critical condition and, according to his family, his health is deteriorating. Poland, Ukraine and other European countries are calling for his release. His supporters say Russia is behind his captivity. From Warsaw, Myroslava Gongadze has this report. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his Swedish counterpart outside Stockholm Wednesday, a rare visit intended to show Washington's support for Sweden's bid to join NATO. VOA's Pentagon correspondent, Carla Babb, is traveling with the secretary and has this report from a Swedish naval base.
Researchers say tomato farmers in Ghana are good at growing tomatoes, but poor at storage. But some are discovering how to give their tomatoes a longer life. From Kumazi, Hamza Adams has this report, narrated by Salem Solomon.
As Zimbabwe celebrated its Independence Day on Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country’s economy was improving. But a World Bank report released this month said that while Zimbabwe's poverty levels are declining, they remain elevated. Columbus Mavhunga reports.
A group of American plastic surgeons has been working in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, helping wounded soldiers and civilians recover from war injuries. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych
People worldwide have long been paying more for a premium cup of coffee. But what about a cost of over $100 for a cup? From Panama City, Panama, Oscar Sulbarán has the story, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit.
The Baltic countries have remained an important source of support for Ukraine as Russia’s assault drags on. In Latvia, people have kept up efforts to assist the Ukrainian military, while accepting Ukrainian refugees and making them feel welcome in an exile that for many, seems to have no end. Marcus Harton narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina in the Latvian capital, Riga.
During Ramadan, an Islamic community in California is raising awareness about domestic violence. For VOA, Genia Dulot brings us the story of a domestic violence shelter for Muslim immigrants in San Diego.
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this year, a small town in Virginia, with only a handful of Muslim residents, offered them a rare opportunity to hear the Adhan, or call to prayer. VOA’s Saqib Ul Islam has more from Occoquan, Virginia.
Conflict in Sudan has provoked global calls for a cease-fire, but questions remain how other countries can persuade combatants to lay down arms. U.S. officials in Congress and the White House say they’re using Washington’s status and limited leverage to try to make peace. VOA’s Anita Powell reports.
Afghans living in Sweden say that iftar — or breaking fast during the month of Ramadan — is an opportunity to get together and learn about their cultural heritage. Abdul Wali Arian has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
A Russian court has refused to release U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich from jail while he awaits trial on accusations that he spied on Russia while on a reporting assignment last month. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Virtual medicine, or medical extended reality, uses virtual reality headsets and imaging software to supplement conventional medical treatments. Practitioners from around the world shared best practices at a recent conference in Los Angeles. Mike O'Sullivan reports.
With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan languishing in many polls ahead of May elections, his challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is promising to mend strained ties with Turkey's Western allies. Analysts say that could be bad news for Moscow. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
A growing number of startups are using artificial intelligence to replicate human voices. A company is creating synthetic voices for organizations to use for advertising, marketing and training. Phil Dierking reports.
Sweden is still waiting for Turkey to approve its application to join NATO. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Sweden hopes the upcoming Turkish elections scheduled for May 14 could be a turning point.Camera: Henry Ridgwell
Being an influencer in Colombia has gained popularity. A recent study revealed that more young people are interested in joining digital platforms in the hopes of earning a high income from advertisers. From Bogota, Liz Castellon has the story, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit.
For many people who have emigrated to the United States, helping their native countries is a big part of their lives. Recently a group of East Africans gathered to discuss ways to assist those back home. Abdulaziz Osman has the story, narrated by Salem Solomon. Videographer: Jafar Fidow
An Islamic center in Minnesota held an interfaith Ramadan meal to celebrate the holy month and build bridges between people of different faiths. Mohamud Mascadde reports from Minneapolis in this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
Kenya is using the launch of its first operational observation satellite to promote space education and science through space clubs in schools. Kenya launched an operational 3U nanosatellite April 15 aboard the SpaceX Falcon Force base in the U.S. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
With Turkey nearing hotly contested presidential elections in May, international rights groups are condemning a crackdown on independent media that have challenged the incumbent president’s control of the mainstream media. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
In part one of this series we met families who buried their loved ones in their gardens because their cemetery is on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Now, in part two, VOA travels to Chasiv Yar, a city next to Bakhmut, the longest and bloodiest battle in this war. And experts say Chasiv Yar is now halfway surrounded by Russian forces. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. Camera: Yan Boechat.
No one knows yet what the full repercussions might be from the recent leak of U.S. classified documents. Some analysts fear it could overshadow the security talks that top diplomats are holding in Japan about several world crises. Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
The oldest mosque in Michigan is celebrating its 85th year. Located in the city of Dearborn, the American Moslem Society Mosque, one of the oldest in the United States, provides its young generation with religious and recreational activities. VOA's Rivan Dwiastono reports. Videographer: Alam Burhanan, Virginia Gunawan
Sunday marked the second wartime celebration of Orthodox Easter in Ukraine. Russian forces and the paramilitary Wagner Group freed 130 Ukrainian prisoners of war, while one of Ukraine’s top military commanders marked the holiday by visiting front-line troops. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States. It’s simple and can be played in small spaces so popular with all age groups. But not everyone loves it. Maxim Moskalkov reports.
Twenty-one-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira appeared in court to face charges of unauthorized retention and transmission online of national defense information and unauthorized removal of classified documents. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more.
China has responded to Western criticism by saying that it will remain neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war and not sell weapons to either side. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Following the February 6 earthquake in southern Turkey and Syria, hundreds of thousands of survivors sought shelter in the nearby Turkish city of Mersin. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the city authorities say they desperately need more help to cope with the influx. Camera: Memet Aksakal
A new draft bill passed by Russian lawmakers on April 11 will make it nearly impossible for men to avoid military conscription, just as Moscow is expected launch a fresh counteroffensive in its war on Ukraine. Anna Rice has the story.
A Zimbabwean actress battling cancer has asked wealthy citizens to buy a radiotherapy machine for government hospitals because she says the country's only unit has stopped working. As Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, many blame Zimbabwe’s high mortality rate among cancer patients on the country’s poor state of health care.]Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
U.S. authorities have arrested a 21-year-old American working on a U.S. military base in connection with the leak of classified intelligence documents, including secrets about the war in Ukraine. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more.
Continuing his official four-day visit to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, President Joe Biden spoke to the houses of Oireachtas in Dublin, becoming the fourth American leader after John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton to address a joint sitting of the Irish parliament. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the story.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week released proposals for the most aggressive vehicle emission standards in the country’s history, with the expectation that electric cars will account for two of every three cars being produced in the U.S. by 2032. Keith Kocinski reports.
An activist in Ghana is swimming the nearly 500-kilometer-long Volta River, including Lake Volta, to bring attention to worsening water pollution. Yvette Tetteh is also collecting water samples along the way to test for pollution. Senanu Tord reports from Lake Volta, Ghana.
NASA opens the door to its Mars simulator. Plus, a private spaceflight contender gets knocked out, and the hooves of a beloved children’s character return to British soil. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Vietnam later this week. Blinken's first trip to Hanoi as the top U.S. diplomat comes as the two countries are eyeing an upgrade in bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Blinken will also break ground on a new U.S. Embassy compound. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more from Hanoi, Vietnam.
It's been more than half-a-century since humans last set foot on the moon, but that's about to change. This week on The Inside Story - The Artemis Generation Episode 87
Highly accurate and maneuverable U.S. howitzers have been helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine fight off Russia's aggression since July 2022. These days, the weapons are used mostly in the Bakhmut district in the Donetsk region. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Videographer and video editor: Pavel Suhodolskiy
U.S. President Joe Biden is in his ancestral home, Ireland, where he will spend the next two days meeting with leaders and family members. Earlier Wednesday in Northern Ireland, he urged that the collapsed power-sharing government be restored. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says that Ukraine remains confident about its planned counteroffensive against invading Russian forces, despite the emergence of apparently classified US intelligence documents on the war. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
We know the big picture: Russian and Ukraine are fighting for land inside Ukraine. But in the most beleaguered places, areas of conflict going back to 2014, what exactly is there left to fight for? In part one of this three-part series, Heather Murdock reports from Siversk, where the cemetery is on the front-line. Videography by Yan Boechat.
More than two months after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that killed more than 50,000 people, millions of survivors are still living in tents — with little hope of returning home anytime soon. Henry Ridgwell reports, with Memet Aksakal contributing.
Hundreds of thousands of Russians opposed to Putin’s war in Ukraine have left to find refuge in Baltic countries, where they have joined Belarusians who have fled Lukashenko's repression. Ricardo Marquina has more from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in this report narrated by Marcus Harton.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Philippine leaders at the State Department as the two countries began their largest joint military drills Tuesday, amid increased tensions with China over Taiwan and Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has details.
President Joe Biden headed Tuesday to Belfast, where leaders will discuss a 1998 peace agreement that ended over a quarter-century of sectarian conflict in British-held Northern Ireland between pro-British Unionists and nationalists who wanted to unite with independent Ireland. That deal is now complicated by the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union. VOA’s Anita Powell examines what’s at stake.
With Turkey in the grip of soaring food prices, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan offers respite for some with free meals offered to break the day of fasting. Analysts say inflation now poses the biggest threat to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid for reelection. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Getting a well-rounded education while maintaining one's religious identity can be challenging in some U.S. classrooms. But there are 140 accredited Islamic-based schools in the U.S. that aim to do just that. VOA's Rivan Dwiastono visited one such school in the state of Missouri. Camera: Ariadne Budianto, Virginia Gunawan
Around one-and-a-half million people in Turkey were made homeless by the February 6 earthquake, with many still lacking permanent shelter. In the city of Iskenderun – badly hit by the quake - local authorities are using every available space, as Henry Ridgwell reports. Videographer: Memet Aksakal
Countries around the world generate 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste. Discarded laptops are part of the problem, but engineers at Dell Technologies have come up with a new concept that could help keep them out of landfills. Tina Trinh reports. VOA footage by Deana Mitchell.
An international team of scientists is rushing to save West Africa’s Atlantic humpback dolphin, which environmental groups say has been pushed to the brink of extinction. In 1987, Senegal banned nylon monofilament fishing nets that threaten dolphins and other marine life, but critics say the government has failed to enforce the law. Annika Hammerschlag reports from Senegal’s Sine Saloum Delta.
April 11 marks four years since a popular uprising in Sudan led the military to overthrow President Omar al-Bashir, but hopes for civilian rule have not been fulfilled. Sudan's pro-democracy movement has struggled with the military for power. Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum on the state of Sudan's iconic revolution.Camera and produced by: Henry Wilkins
The instruction to feed the hungry is a common philosophy among most major world religions. Muslims are no exception, especially while the observe the fasting month of Ramadan. VOA's Irfan Ihsan reports. Alam Burhanan and Ronan Zakaria contributed.
Muslims across South Africa are observing Ramadan with prayer and fasting. But some also see the holy month as an opportunity to reach out to those in need within their communities. Zaheer Cassim spoke to residents in Johannesburg and has the story.
Despite their country's economic challenges, Muslims in Sudan are observing the holy month of Ramadan with customs that include sharing iftar with travelers. Sidahmed Ibraheem spoke to residents in Khartoum and has this story.
After former President Donald Trump’s arraignment in New York on 34 felony charges, his lawyers have begun working on his defense. This is just the first of several investigations that Trump faces, and that, according to some experts, could have very serious consequences for him and his political future. Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
With Russia’s war in Ukraine now in its second year, Russian fighters are occupying towns as they push to gain control more of the neighboring country. Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, however, has Europe on edge… and many Ukrainians wondering if they’ll have electricity. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has this story of an underground squadron tasked with the mission of keeping on the lights.
Several decades before the English colonized Jamestown and the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established a settlement on the northeastern corner of Florida. And yet many people have never heard of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports.Camera: Adam Greenbaum.
Former President Donald Trump was arraigned on 34 felony charges earlier this week, accused of falsifying New York business records to conceal his role in paying hush money to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at how the unprecedented charges could inject fresh uncertainties into the 2024 presidential race.
Leaked Western documents with information about the war in Ukraine appear to have been doctored by Russia to minimize their own losses and exaggerate Ukraine's. VOA's Laurel Bowman reports.
The killing of Cameroonian journalist Martinez Zogo earlier this year brought into focus the threats media face. VOA's Jackson Mvunganyi and Salem Solomon have the story.
Food insecurity is a growing problem in America, with senior citizens particularly at risk. As VOA’s Ariadne Budianto reports, some in the Washington area’s Muslim community are responding by providing halal meals to those in need, regardless of religious affiliation. Videographer: Ariadne Budianto, Karlina Amkas
As Muslims in Tanzania observe the month of Ramadan, they are facing increased food prices and uncertainty of supplies. Charles Kombe spoke to residents in Dar es Salaam and has this story.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday wrapped up his first official visit to Poland since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of his country. On the one-day visit, the Ukrainian leader thanked his Polish hosts for standing – in Zelenskyy’s words – “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine, in what he described as a “historic relationship.” VOA Eastern Europe bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from Warsaw. Camera: Daniil Batushchak
Fierce battles are raging on Ukraine’s front lines as fighting between occupying Russian forces and Ukrainian government troops appears to be escalating with the arrival of spring. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Torske in eastern Ukraine. Camera: Yan Boechat.
Some of the Zimbabwean officials accused of gold smuggling and money laundering in the Al Jazeera documentary "Gold Mafia" have welcomed a government plan to investigate the allegations. But critics doubt the government's ability to crack down on internal corruption. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Before the war, their jobs had nothing to do with the military, but today they are volunteers fighting to expel Russian forces from Ukraine’s Donbas region. Anna Kosstutschenko talked with some of the soldiers. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy.
The last time humans were on the moon was in 1972. Now NASA is preparing to set foot back on the moon in 2025, if all goes as scheduled. VOA’s Alexander Kruglyakov spoke with the crew that will take part in the first of those missions: a planned flight around the Moon in November 2024.
Uncertainty during the first few weeks of Russia’s assault on Kyiv drove many people out of the city. A year later, some of those who stayed say their lives have been transformed forever. Anna Chernikova tells one young couple's story. Camera: Eugene Shynkar.
U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen underscored cooperative ties between their governments at a meeting Wednesday in California. The meeting came amid Chinese threats of retaliation and as both the United States and Taiwan are facing rising tensions with China. Mike O’Sullivan reports. VOA's China Branch contributed to this story.
During his visit to Warsaw, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered remarks to representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, whose numbers are now estimated at more than two million. Warsaw reporter Lesia Bakalets spoke with members of a popular citizen’s group before the Ukrainian president’s speech. Videographer: Daniil Batushchak
Sudan has a rich archaeological history, boasting more pyramids than Egypt. At the University of Khartoum, women archaeologists are set to dominate the field, with more than 90% of archaeology students now female. Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum, Sudan
A day after celebrating Finland's joining the trans-Atlantic security alliance, NATO members got down to work Wednesday, tackling security threats posed by both Russia and China. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from Brussels.
Native American communities in the Pacific Northwest have led a decades long fight to remove hydroelectric dams that environmentalists say harm the migration of salmon. The Inside Story will examine the balance between helping wildlife and the need for more clean, renewable energy.
As Syria's northeast slowly recovers from February’s earthquakes, farmers are grappling with the devastation in an area vital to supplying food to a rebel-held enclave in Idlib. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
The push to legally restrict children’s access to social media in the United States is gaining steam. So far, however, researchers say there are both negative and positive aspects of minors using the platforms, as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias found out.
Each month, California mother and daughter Keke and Ari Dixon organize a free farmers market for people who have hit tough times. Angelina Bagdasaryan visited one such event and spoke with the two women. Anna Rice narrates the story. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian
Cambodian communities in California organized a parade and cultural festival ahead of this month’s solar new year. For VOA, Genia Dulot has our story from Long Beach.
For many people in the U.S. holidays mean enormous lawn decorations. But generally, these decorations coincide with Western holidays. Now, some Muslim families are finding unique ways to celebrate Ramadan. VOA's Dhania Iman reports. Videographer: Andri Tambunan
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty in New York to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. Tuesday evening, Trump again denied the charges and attacked the New York prosecutor’s motives. The VOA New York Bureau and Veronica Balderas Iglesias contributed to this report.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is now a criminal defendant. He surrendered Tuesday at a courthouse in Manhattan and pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias followed the developments on this historic day.
Warming temperatures from climate change mean spring comes earlier in higher latitudes. But fruit growers around the temperate world say an early spring is not always a good thing. The reason is counterintuitive. But as VOA's Steve Baragona reports, it is another way that climate change is forcing farmers everywhere to adapt.
Analysts say the war in Ukraine has been largely a stalemate in recent months, despite high casualty counts on both sides. But in the city of Chasiv Yar, the war has become deadlier and more dangerous week by week. VOA's Heather Murdock reports. Videographer: Yan Boechat
Farmers and Silicon Valley technologists are collaborating to make agriculture more efficient and productive. Michelle Quinn reports on the ag technology being developed and what is to come.
The 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is expected to make history today by surrendering to authorities in New York City. Trump will be fingerprinted as he appears in court for the first time as a criminal defendant. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi takes us to the scene in Manhattan.
The digital divide is one of the biggest challenges to education in sub-Saharan Africa, where the United Nations says nearly 90% of students lack access to household computers, and 82% to the internet. In Kenya, the aid group TechLit Africa aims to change that by building scores of computer labs. Juma Majanga reports from Mogotio, Kenya.
An exhibition currently on display in Poland uses virtual reality to show the level of destruction Russia’s war has brought on Ukraine. For some visitors, the VR videos that can be viewed at the "Through the War" display have been overwhelming. Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw. Daniil Batushchak.
One year since Ukrainian forces liberated the Kyiv suburb of Bucha from Russian forces (March 31), the town stands as a symbol of Russian atrocities and a turning point in the war. During the occupation, there was widespread destruction. 1,374 civilians were killed, including 38 children in the Kyiv region. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze accompanied the mayor of Bucha for a tour, one year on. Videographer: Eugene ShynkarWarning: This video contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is in Central America for talks in Guatemala and Belize, trying to shore up alliances just over a week after Honduras decided to end relations with Taipei and establish them with China. From Guatemala City, Eugenia Sagastume has the story, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit.
More than 10 years after South Sudan split from Sudan, as many as 1.2 million ethnic South Sudanese could be living in Sudan without citizenship for either country, the U.N. refugee agency says. In this report from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, reporter Henry Wilkins meets undocumented people and discovers they have problems accessing work, education and medical care.
Three U.S. astronauts and one Canadian astronaut are slated to make history in NASA’s upcoming Artemis II mission. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more on the diverse crew scheduled to make the first lunar journey since 1972. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
As bloody, stalemated battles in Ukraine grind on, young dancers in the eastern city of Izium are training again, hoping to resume competition despite the destruction of their theater. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Izium, Ukraine. Camera: Yan Boechat.
March 20, 2023, marked 20 years since the U.S. and its coalition partners launched a military invasion into Iraq, initiated as part of a Global War on Terror following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The combat mission ended for the U.S. in August 2010, but the aftermath of the war is still being felt today.
The media are often criticized for focusing mainly on the world's bad news. Solutions journalism, however, focuses not only on problems, but also on ways to fix them. Dino Jahic has the story.
Zimbabweans in the agriculture sector are dealing with rising fertilizer costs and poor rainfalls due to climate change. Now, some are turning to organic farming and conservation agriculture to make ends meet, and officials say they are making progress against the odds. Columbus Mavhunga has more from Mashava, one of Zimbabwe’s poorest and most drought-prone districts. (Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe)
With tensions between the U.S. and China on the rise, how are people in other countries viewing what’s been dubbed a 'new Cold War'? VOA’s Ahadian Utama reports from Jakarta, Indonesia. (Camera: Ahadian Utama, Indra Yoga)
Muslims around the world are fasting from dawn to dusk to mark the holy month of Ramadan. In Somalia, the month-long observance is also a time for charitable giving and spiritual reflection. For VOA, Mohamed Mahmud has this report, narrated by Vincent Makori.
A student in Congo has developed a tool that allows people to control or move objects using their brain signals. Andre Ndambi visited the department of engineering at the University of Kinshasa and has this story narrated by Salem Solomon. Jean-Louis Mafema contributed.
Donald Trump is ready for his legal battle in a hush money case, his lawyer said as the former president prepares to go to court Tuesday for his expected arraignment. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explores how the legal process could unfold. Video editor Marcus Harton.
Deadly tornadoes this weekend tore through several U.S. midwestern and southern states. Authorities report at least 27 deaths after the storms shredded buildings, houses, trees and sent cars flying. As VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports, the severe weather follows deadly tornadoes in the American South just one week ago.
With Donald Trump becoming the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports on the international reaction to his indictment and what it means for the credibility of the U.S. legal and political system
The village of Pono in Pakistan's southern Sindh province is so small it’s difficult to find on Google maps, but it’s still getting international attention. That’s because the village is designed to show how communities that are most vulnerable to climate change can become climate resilient and self-sustaining using old techniques. VOA's Pakistan Bureau Chief Sarah Zaman visited Pono and brings this report.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Brussels on Monday for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers expected to focus on sustaining support for Ukraine. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Days before news broke that a grand jury voted to indict former President Donald Trump, VOA asked passers-by near Trump Tower in New York City for their thoughts on the expected legal action. Igor Tsikhanenka reports. Camera: Alex Barash.
VOA Connect Episode 272 - We visit a collector of special beer mugs and we meet team working to create and distribute ecologically sustainable products for special events in New Orleans.
From the time he was a little boy, George Adams was fascinated with the lids on a certain kind of beer mug known as stein. And he started collecting them. Learn about the different steins he’s collected over the years and the history they represent. Reporter | Camera: Philip Alexiou
Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit organization, is helping special event planners in New Orleans learn ways to reduce waste at events such as Mardi Gras by replacing plastic with sustainable materials. Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
As access to clean drinking water becomes increasingly difficult in many parts of the world, one company is using an innovative technology to help address this problem for underserved communities in the United States. VOA's Julie Taboh has more. Video: Adam Greenbaum
French daredevil Philippe Petit showed off his gravity-defying skills at the National Building Museum in Washington. At 73, Petit still walks the wire without a safety net or harness. Maxim Moskalkov talked with the famous wire walker. Video: Artyom Kokhan, Aleksadr Bergan
As Ethiopia's civil war comes to an end, along with a communications blackout in the Tigray region, the Red Cross is helping refugee families who fled to Sudan find relatives who were unable to escape the conflict. For VOA, Henry Wilkins met with one man in Khartoum who is desperately looking for his lost relative.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is on a sensitive trip to the United States, where she wrapped up a second day of events closed to the media in New York City on Thursday. In a speech Wednesday, she vowed to protect regional stability in exchange for continued support from the United States. Yao Yu has the story.
The United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia wrapped up the Summit for Democracy on Thursday. The theme for the U.S. session: pledging to advance technology to support democracy while preventing its misuse. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more.
In California, huge rainstorms scientists call 'atmospheric rivers' combined with a massive snowpack in the mountains are expected to bring more flooding to the once drought-stricken state. Scientists warn climate change is behind the extreme weather. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pledged continuing cooperation with Tanzania as she met with the country’s president, the only female head of state in Africa, on her first official visit to the continent. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
We're giving voice to A.I. From writing school papers to diagnosing mental health issues, find out how artificial intelligence is changing the world. Plus, discover how Florida is dealing with invasive species wreaking havoc on local ecosystems on The Inside Story: Giving Voice to A.I.
Astronomers witness the birth of a galaxy. Plus, damaged goods depart the International Space Station, and plans are set to seek life elsewhere in our solar system. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
The first Western tanks arrived in Ukraine this week – with dozens more expected in the coming months. Will it be enough to help Kyiv drive back invading Russian forces? Henry Ridgwell reports.
The United States and South Korea are holding some of their biggest – and most visible – military exercises in years. They are in response to North Korea’s dramatic increase in provocative missile tests. VOA’s Bill Gallo attended some of the U.S.-South Korean drills and explains what they mean for North Korea tensions moving forward. VOA footage by Kim Hyungjin and Bill Gallo. Lee Juhyun contributed.
Burkina Faso’s military government suspended the international broadcaster France 24 after it had aired an excerpt of an interview with the head of a regional al-Qaida affiliate. VOA’s Salem Solomon spoke to the journalist who conducted the interview.
As the world marks International Day of Zero Waste on Thursday, South Africa is taking steps to ensure that those collecting recyclables from homes and rubbish dumps register so they will be eligible for benefits such as higher payments for the items they collect. Authorities say this is necessary because the work they do contributes to the economy and helps fight against climate change. Vicky Stark reports for VOA from Cape Town, South Africa.Camera: Shadley Lombard
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday approved the non-prescription use of a drug that rapidly reverses the effects of overdoses of opioids, including fentanyl. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya has our story from Seattle, Washington.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago, the United States has earmarked about $113 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine – making it one of the largest ever assistance packages approved by the US government. Investigators assured lawmakers Wednesday the money is being strictly monitored to ensure it is being used as Congress intended. VOA’s congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson spoke with members of Congress about their concerns.Camera: Saqib Ui Islam and Kateryna Lisunova
The United States announced a new financial boost to programs that advance democracy globally, and Ukraine’s president made a virtual appearance Wednesday at the Summit for Democracy in Washington. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
More than a thousand people fleeing militant attacks in Burkina Faso have sought refuge in Ghana in recent months and are waiting for their status to be determined. To help, villagers in northern Ghana are donating land to a refugee camp. Senanu Tord reports from Sapelliga. Camera: Senanu Tord.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands of women have voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As of the end of last year, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense says almost 60,000 women were serving. Myroslava Gongadze met with two female former journalists who have been part of Ukraine’s war effort for a year now. VOA footage by Eugene Shynkar. Video editing by Daniil Batishchak.
A joint project between Sudanese and Israeli scientists to study the unique resilience of Red Sea coral reefs has stalled due to red tape [bureaucratic delays], according to those involved. The project has been hailed not only for protecting coral reefs but also for normalizing Israel-Sudan relations. Henry Wilkins reports from Port Sudan, Sudan.
Economists say Sudan's economy is in dire shape, struggling under the weight of high inflation and the suspension of debt cancellation by Western nations since last October's coup. In an exclusive interview with VOA in Khartoum, Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim tells Henry Wilkins about allegations the military government is trying to assert more control over the economy, and its alleged links with Russia’s Wagner Group.
Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Zambia is raising excitement in the country and some nostalgia. Harris has a personal connection to Zambia, where she spent time with her Indian grandfather, who sparked her interest in public service. Kathy Short reports for VOA from Lusaka, Zambia. (Camera: Richard Kille)
Zimbabwe’s government has started two weeks of nationwide consultations on whether to abolish capital punishment for people convicted of premeditated murder. As Columbus Mavhunga reports for VOA, people’s views on the issue are varied. (Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe)
Vadym Horodnyi comes from a family of Ukrainian soldiers. His father died defending their hometown, Chernihiv, but Vadym remained determined to join the military. The 14-year-old ultimately got a chance to study in the United States and is now a cadet at the Marine Military Academy in Texas. Nina Vishneva has his story in this report narrated by Anna Rice.
The French ship the Plastic Odyssey is on a world tour to show how billions of tons of plastic waste is affecting the ocean. Allison Fernandes has this story from the Port of Dakar in Senegal. Salem Solomon narrates.
Africa and the U.S. share not only a grim past but also a hopeful future. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized this on her first official voyage to the continent, where in one day she covered both the possibilities ahead and the pain that links both societies. VOA’s Anita Powell traveled with the vice president in Cape Coast, Ghana.
The U.S. State Department is hosting the second Summit for Democracy this week, including 120 countries, civil society groups and technology companies. The mostly virtual summit includes some countries that have been criticized recently for undemocratic policies, such as India, Israel and Poland. Tuesday's events focused on Ukraine, as VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
In response to reports of military actions against civilians during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Pilecki Institute in Warsaw, Poland, has established a center that collects and preserves evidence of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. Lesia Bakalets has a story from Warsaw.
"Apocalyptic,” "a flood from the sky” — that's how some described last year’s heavy monsoon rains that caused catastrophic flooding across a large part of Pakistan. The flooding affected 33 million people and displaced nearly 8 million. VOA's Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman traveled to Sindh, the southern province hit the hardest, to see what life is like now. Camera: Wajid Asad
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he was delaying controversial judicial overhaul legislation that brought tens of thousands of protesting Israelis out on the streets and temporarily shut down the country with a general workers strike. Key among the demonstrators were Israeli army reservists who said they would not report for duty if the legislation was passed. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem.Camera: Ricki Rosen
The global response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should act as a blueprint for addressing mass human rights violations, according to an annual report released by Amnesty International on Tuesday. But the group accuses the West of ignoring other crises, as Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
The move toward electric vehicles in the U.S. automotive industry has brought increased attention to the sector's reliance on Chinese technology. As VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports, a planned Ford battery plant is drawing congressional scrutiny.
More than 22 million people live in Florida. One in five is over the age of 65. Retirees are often drawn to the warm weather, relatively low cost of living, and as VOA's Dora Mekouar reports from Orlando, the lifestyle offered at certain retirement communities.
With women being pushed out of public life in Afghanistan, brave female reporters remain committed to finding ways to keep reporting. For VOA, Noshaba Ashna has the story, narrated by Shaista Sadat Lami. Roshan Noorzai contributed.
The World Health Organization says about 87% of Sudanese females between ages 15 and 49 have undergone female genital mutilation, one of the highest rates in the world. A project by the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, is targeting sports clubs to engage men and boys in the fight against the practice. Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum, Sudan.
Ghana's military is training to crack down on illegal overfishing in the Gulf of Guinea, much of it by Chinese-owned boats. But China holds great influence in the region, and some Ghanaian naval officers say a crackdown might cause friction with Beijing. Henry Wilkins reports from Accra, Ghana.
Imagine if your dog or cat could use words to let you know when they’re angry, lonely or in pain. Well now they can, thanks to an innovative communication tool that’s helping them express themselves more effectively. VOA's Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
The U.S. Senate is taking steps toward the repeal of decades-old legislation granting U.S. presidents broad powers to conduct war in Iraq. The bipartisan effort comes as many U.S. senators say Congress must reassert its authority and prevent the misuse of military force. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Tanzania this week comes as relations have greatly improved under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. While late President John Magufuli pursued China-backed megaprojects and cracked down on critics, Hassan has promised to let democracy flourish. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Videographer: Rajabu Hassan
Artist Danielle SeeWalker says she is attempting to paint an accurate and insightful representation of contemporary Native American life. Her work is on exhibit in the Western U.S. state of Colorado. VOA’s Scott Stearns gives us a look.Camera: Scott Stearns
Islamist militant attacks in southern Burkina Faso have raised concerns that young people across the border in Ghana may be drawn to extremism due to a lack of economic opportunities. Aid group Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment, or RISE-Ghana, is using arts and entertainment to rally youth against extremism through a program they call "Peace in Schools." Senanu Tord reports from Bolgatanga, Ghana.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has hailed Zimbabwe's efforts to move to climate-resistant grains such as millet to improve food security. A FAO team is in Zimbabwe to promote the grains and celebrate the International Year of Millets. Columbus Mavhunga has this report from Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
As the United States prepares to co-host the second Summit for Democracy in Washington, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on how the weapons that Russia has used so far in its war on Ukraine have already taken a heavy toll not only on the civilian population in Ukraine, but also on that country’s environment. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
Powerful tornadoes tore through mostly rural parts of the American South, killing dozens over the weekend. Search and rescue efforts are under way as tens of thousands of people are without power or running water. President Joe Biden declared the region a "disaster area,” clearing the way for federal aid in support of recovery efforts. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
According to Ukrainian officials, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia or Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. As of March 24, only 324 have been returned, including Olena Dudnik's son, Andriy. Lesia Bakalets reports on one mother's ordeal.
As Japan lifts its post-war military restraints, perhaps nowhere is feeling the change more than the remote island of Yonaguni. Located not far from Taiwan, the tiny Japanese island is slowly being transformed into a military outpost. The concern of many residents is being caught in conflict between China and the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. VOA’s Bill Gallo visited Yonaguni and shares this report.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Ghana Sunday as part of a three-nation Africa tour aimed at strengthening U.S. relations on the continent. Although Ghana and America have a close friendship dating back to 1957, China is now a far larger trading partner with Ghana than the U.S. Kent Mensah reports from Accra on how Harris’ trip could impact U.S. trade with Ghana. Camera: Nneka Chile
Meet Mark Raymond Jr, the Founder of the Split Second Foundation + Fitness, the first rehab-based fitness center in the Gulf South. Learn how Raymond and his team are making a difference in their clients’ health and quality of life. Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
We talk to members of an international breakdance group with different types of disabilities who have come together to tell their stories of perseverance through hip hop and motivational monologues. Reporter | Camera: Philip Alexiou, Producer: Marsha James, Editors: Randall Taylor, Philip Alexiou
Lviv native Oksana used to be a Ukrainian military paratrooper, but in a leap of faith, she decided to become a nun in 2004. Sister Anysia, as she is now called, is now working to help military families dealing with the psychological trauma of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has more from Lviv. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych
In his long career, Scott Cohen of Maryland has worked as a playwright and an artist. But his latest project involves the art of cooking for refugees and migrants. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Video: Artyom Kokhan
Florida's warm weather attracts millions of visitors, including animals that outstay their welcome. Wildlife brought in from somewhere else has seriously damaged the ecosystem in Florida, home to the most severe invasive animal crisis in the continental United States. VOA's Dora Mekouar has more from Orlando. Camera: Adam Greenbaum Produced by: Dora Mekouar, Adam Greenbaum
A poll of global attitudes regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine suggests the West has regained its unity and sense of purpose following the invasion. The survey — conducted across 15 countries in December and January — shows markedly different attitudes in non-Western nations, as Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Vice President Kamala Harris will become the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit the African continent when she begins a tour of Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia next week. Her office says she will work on strengthening partnerships, security and economic prosperity, and analysts say her mere presence – as the first female vice president who has ancestral ties to the continent – is significant in itself. VOA’s Anita Powell, who will be traveling with the vice president, reports from Washington.
Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul is demanding that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken provide documents on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. McCaul said the 'catastrophic' exit from Afghanistan emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. Cindy Saine reports.
China's President Xi Jinping visits Moscow to show support for Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The impact of the visit and Ukraine's battle against Russia on The Inside Story-Xi in Russia, War in Ukraine.
Shou Zi Chew, chief executive officer of TikTok, pushed back Thursday against calls from US lawmakers to ban the social media app, contending that the company is not connected to the Chinese Communist Party. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more
Tuberculosis, or TB, a bacterial infection of the lungs, is one of the world's deadliest diseases. After decades of progress, cases are on the rise once more. March 24 is World TB Day — and as Henry Ridgwell reports, there are hopes that a vaccine may be developed in the next few years to help eradicate the disease. Videographer: Henry Ridgwell
A 3D-printed rocket goes up before crashing right back down. Plus, a new spacesuit designed with women in mind, and mysterious objects streak the California-night sky. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
In Namibia, the German-supported Basketball Artists School (BAS) has been helping develop the sport while giving hope to at-risk youth. Beyond basketball, the program teaches life skills to disadvantaged youth and offers after-school meals. Vitalio Angula reports from Windhoek, Namibia. Camera: Dantagob Geingob
The Basketball Africa League has been around since 2019. It is part of the U.S. National Basketball Association or NBA and expanding basketball into Africa with its first season in 2021. A new initiative is opening the way for women players as well. Seydina Aba Gueye has this report from Dakar in this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
In the sprawling Nairobi slum of Kibera, Renice Owino, a young computer programmer, is passing on her knowledge to disadvantaged students. Owino is the founder and driving force behind the “Code with Kids” initiative, which has reached hundreds of children in Nairobi and other areas. Saida Swaleh visited Owino’s classroom in Nairobi and has this story. Camera: Nelson Aruya.
Ukrainian authorities have called for a war crimes investigation after a video surfaced on social media that appeared to show Russian soldiers killing a Ukrainian POW. But how would this alleged crime be prosecuted? Oleksii Kovalenko tried to find out. VOA footage by Dmitriy Savchuk. Warning: This video contains graphic images that may not be suitable for all viewers.
According to Argentina’s migration data, some 11,000 Russian women have arrived in the country since the start of 2022. Many of them were pregnant and gave birth to children in the South American country. Karina Bafradzhian tells us why. Video: David Gogokhia
The contested Bakhmut region in Ukraine has been putting salt on the tables of most Ukrainians and many European countries for over 140 years. Today, the manufacturing facilities in the region are practically destroyed, but "Bakhmut Salt" has become a rallying cry. Hanna Tverdokhlib has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Video: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
A federal judge is expected to rule soon on the fate of a pill that leads to a medication abortion. The drug in question, mifepristone, has been on the market for 20 years, but opponents of abortion rights say it is unsafe. VOA’s Carolyn Presutti explains.
Worries about recent bank failures and bailouts are rippling through the world economy, from New York to Beijing, and central bankers are working to calm depositors and financial markets. Mike O’Sullivan reports from California, where a major player in the tech industry, Silicon Valley Bank, collapsed earlier this month. Rob Garver contributed.
Ecuadorean authorities are investigating a series of letter bombs sent Monday to TV and radio journalists around the country. Journalists say the bombs are part of an intimidation campaign against a free press. For VOA News, Nestor Aguilera has the story from Quito, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit.
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says governments must do much more to move away from fossil fuels. The Biden administration has taken several steps to do so, but a recent decision to approve an oil-drilling project in Alaska has disappointed those who want the U.S. to swiftly cut greenhouse gas emissions. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains
Latvia is the European Union country with the largest Russian minority, with ethnic Russians making up approximately 25% of its population. For them, the war in Ukraine has been a political and social earthquake. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Latvian capital, Riga.Camera: Ricardo Marquina
As part of World Water Day, March 22, the United Nations is holding its first conference devoted to water issues since 1977. For VOA, Matt Dibble introduces us to a Native American engineering student who will share at that conference her tribe’s successful campaign to remove harmful dams in the Western United States.
Flintlock, the United States-led annual joint military exercises in West Africa, is introducing maritime training for troops in the Gulf of Guinea. In this report from Sogakope, Ghana, reporter Henry Wilkins explores whether oil piracy is prompting the new training as he joins forces practicing a hostage rescue at sea.
A university professor threatened by separatist violence in Cameroon is now in Southern California, sharing with her students the impact of armed conflict on the environment and on women. Genia Dulot has our story from Santa Barbara.
As Xi Jinping wraps up his three-day visit to Moscow, the White House expressed pessimism that the Chinese leader’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin will pave the way to end the war in Ukraine. White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
While Europe and the United States have welcomed large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, many of them are in Israel, living in legal limbo without official refugee status. Linda Gradstein reports from the Israeli port city of Haifa, where a group is offering the refugees help.
Istanbul, Europe’s largest city, was spared the wrath of Turkey’s February earthquakes, but its mayor warns bad building construction could mean a huge disaster is waiting to happen. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Next month marks an important step in the reconstruction of Paris’ iconic Notre Dame cathedral, heavily damaged by fire four years ago. The base of the new spire is to be built, and officials hope to reopen the cathedral by the end of next year. From Briey, France, where the work on the spire is being done, Lisa Bryant reports.
Ukraine is supporting artists painting murals in Europe and Africa to counter Russian disinformation about Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Dubbed ''The Wall," a nod to the album by British rock band Pink Floyd, the project was recently launched in Kenya’s capital and also employs local artists. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi. Kenya footage by Jimmy Makhulo.
Education and literacy are a challenge in rural Africa, where teachers and electricity are often lacking, and many students speak languages different from their country’s primary tongue. A startup in Kenya is tackling the problem by providing learning software in multiple languages on thousands of solar-powered tablet computers. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir County, Kenya
A sports group in South Africa is encouraging more women to not only play basketball but also coach the game. African Grassroot Hoops runs a basketball leadership academy for young women with the lofty goal of getting a basketball in the hands of every young African. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town. Camera: Shadley Lombard.
This year’s World Water Day (March 22) is about accelerating change to solve water and sanitation crises. With much of the world grappling with a shortage of clean drinking water, a French company has developed an autonomous robot that’s helping to better maintain and preserve existing water supplies. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more in this week’s LogOn.Produced by Julie Taboh, Miguel Amaya
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he expected to be arrested by the Manhattan district attorney as soon as Tuesday on charges stemming from an investigation into a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Laurel Bowman reports on reaction among U.S. political leaders.
Burkina Faso's struggle against Islamist militants has raised security concerns in neighboring Ghana. Observers say illegal weapons are being smuggled into Ghana via the porous border. Senanu Tord reports from Paga, Ghana.
U.S. forces are training West African troops to counter the growing terror threat spreading from the Sahel region. Meanwhile, security experts say Burkina Faso and Mali have essentially fallen to terrorist groups, meaning the U.S. and security partners are now looking at containing the Sahel conflict rather than stopping it entirely. Henry Wilkins reports from Sogakope, Ghana.
As the Horn of Africa enters its sixth failed rainy season, the number of internally displaced people in Somalia has reached an all-time high with millions forced to leave their homes. Abdulkadir Zubeyr visited a camp for the displaced in Dolow, Somalia, and has this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
French medical aid group Doctors Without Borders has launched the first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for schoolgirls in Malawi. They aim to reduce cervical cancer in Malawi, which has the world's second-highest death rate from the disease. Lameck Masina reports from Machinga district, Malawi.
The self-governing island of Taiwan has one of the world’s most highly educated and skilled workforces — as well as one of the world’s lowest birthrates. Pets are more common than kids in many households, and they take part in human activities such as wearing clothes and dining out. From Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Shelley Schlender takes us to an unusual café.
An art exhibit in Warsaw, Poland, brings together the works of Ukrainian artists who aim to document the brutality of Russian aggression. The exhibition is entitled “Ukraine. Under a Different Sky.” For VOA, Lesia Bakalets reports on the display at the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in Warsaw. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates. Camera - Daniil Batushchak.
Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a three-day visit to Moscow Monday seen as a rare show of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, increasingly isolated over his war on Ukraine. The visit also comes at a time when Russia and China are eager to cooperate as each of them faces its own challenges with the West. Marcus Harton narrates this report from the VOA Moscow Bureau.
While American support for Ukraine is still strong, there are some fractures among members of the Republican and Democratic parties that are beginning to surface. And as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains, those splits could deepen as other important policy decisions compete for attention with Ukraine. VOA footage by Saqib Ul Islam. Video editing by Marcus Harton.
Parisians have been clashing with police over the past week following French President Emmanuel Macron’s push to raise the pension age for workers. Macron now faces an angry public. And his rammed-through policy may leave permanent political scars. But south of Paris, another crisis looms for workers as a winter drought dries-up their prospects for work. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
Sunday marks 20 years since US President George W. Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq. American forces remain in the country today, not as a foe — as was the case in 2003 — but now as a key partner. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb takes a look at the war’s toll on both countries.
John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, speaks with VOA Chinese Service White House correspondent Paris Huang, March 17, 2023.
Most large cities around the world have a problem with homelessness. Some places make it illegal to live on the streets. Others allow tent cities to accommodate those without a home. VOA's senior Washington correspondent Carolyn Presutti takes us to one U.S. city that has reduced its homeless population by half and is considered a model for others. Camera: Scott Stearns, Vero Balderas
VOA Connect Episode 270 – Meet several people creating success with their cultural backgrounds and creativity.
We explore Little Arabia, a micro-neighborhood of restaurants and shops outside of Los Angeles – owned and run by people of Arabian descent. Find out how this community has come together over the last 30 years and the campaign to make it an official destination. Reporter | Producer | Camera: Genia Dulot
Meet three sisters in Colorado who have opened Denver’s first Vietnamese coffee shop, blending brewing traditions with modern tastes. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Scott Stearns
High school teacher, Sean Miller, has invented his own creative approach to teaching history. Through various forms of art, he brings historical events and figures to life for his students. Producer: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: June Soh
The U.N. says in the past week, 100,000 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have fled their homes following fighting between M23 rebels and government forces. The UN accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. As Henry Ridgwell reports, critics say European powers should pressure Rwanda to end the fighting.
The Ukrainian government says that nearly one-third of its territory is mined, and that when the war ends, demining could last a decade or more. Evgeny Maslov has more in this story, narrated by Anna Rice. Videographer: Michael Eckels
The Biden administration said it is not seeking armed conflict with Russia as it releases footage of a Russian jet spraying fuel on a U.S. surveillance drone and — seconds later, the drone with a broken propeller — in international airspace over the Black Sea off the coast of Ukraine.
As families in Burkina Faso flee violence, they often find themselves helpless and alone in the capital city, Ouagadougou. An association called 'Femmes en Marche' is working with international groups to help these families. Yacouba Ouedraogo and Thierry Kaore have more in this story narrated by Salem Solomon.Camera: Thierry Kaore and Yacouba Ouedraogo
Many are watching Nigeria’s gubernatorial and state assembly elections Saturday to see how women candidates fare at the polls. The number of women elected to the National Assembly in Nigeria dropped by one-half in a Feb. 25 vote, in what activists say is a step backward for women facing cultural bias in politics. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.Camera: Timothy Obiezu
China’s influence is growing around the world thanks largely to its Belt & Road Initiative. From energy generation in Ecuador to generational education in South Africa, see the impact of China’s investments on The Inside Story-Belt and Road and Beyond.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is the first top US diplomat to visit Niger, as the West African country has emerged as a crucial security base for Western countries seeking to counter terrorist groups in the Sahel region. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is scheduled to testify before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce on March 23. Lawmakers have questions about the app’s connections to China. For VOA, Deana Mitchell reports.
To some people, the annual NCAA basketball tournament means betting on the outcome of the games. But that could be a problem, especially for young people, according to the National Center for Responsible Gambling. Karina Bafradzhian has the story. Camera: Dana Preobrazhenskaya
In Mozambique, girls often drop out of school due to teen pregnancy, forced marriages, poverty, sexual violence and abuse. To help combat the problem, the U.S. Agency for International Development is providing millions of dollars over five years to promote girls' education. Adina Sualehe has this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
In a February visit to Sudan, the head of the U.N. World Food Program said 75% of the country's farmland goes unused, but with the help of investors, Sudan can go from receiving food aid to exporting food. But as Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum, others say it’s more complicated than that.
South Korea and Japan agreed to ease tensions Thursday during a rare meeting between the country’s top leaders. The meeting in Tokyo came hours after North Korea fired a long-range missile, highlighting a security challenge faced by each country. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo in Seoul.
Dany Bill is a Cameroon native and seven-time Muay Thai world champion. He was recently in Los Angeles, raising money for his foundation in Africa, which trains young people in the sport. Genia Dulot caught up with him there.
The US Air Force released this video of two Russian Su-27 aircraft dumping fuel and colliding with a US unmanned MQ-9 drone operating in international airspace over the Black Sea on March 14, 2023.
Sudan is in a political stalemate, with a long-awaited transition to civilian government yet to materialize and the country's military rulers refusing to relinquish power. Ongoing protests against military rule have been met with force, with more than 100 protesters killed. In Khartoum, Henry Wilkins meets the family of a protester killed in February. Please be aware this story contains graphic images that many will find disturbing.
With fewer people coming to work at offices in Manhattan, New York City's commercial real estate market has lost about $400 billion dollars in value since the start of the pandemic. Aron Ranen has this story from the Big Apple.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with top Ethiopian leaders in an effort to repair damaged ties after the brutal two-year civil war against forces in the northern Tigray region left an estimated 500,000 people dead. Deepening the peace and promoting a transitional justice policy, which would seek accountability for atrocities committed by all sides in the conflict, are high on the agenda. VOA's senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the challenge posed by China prompted Britain to publish an updated defense strategy this week, as the country tries to balance strategic threats with financial constraints at home. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Syria’s rebel-controlled Idlib province, hit hard by February's quakes, is looking to rebuild its shattered education infrastructure. Repairing and replacing destroyed schools is only part of the problem, with many children traumatized. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
Every month, young girls in Ghana are forced to miss school days due to menstruation. But a schoolteacher is working to find a solution by providing reusable sanitary pads. Hamza Adams visited a school in Afari, Ghana, and has this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
Lithuania, a country that feels directly threatened by Russia, had warned for decades of Russian aggression against its neighbors. Now Lithuanians worry that what is happening in Ukraine could also happen in Lithuania. Ricardo Marquina reports from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, that ordinary people are keep up grass-roots efforts to support their homeland. Jonathan Spier narrates
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Central Africa this month has received mixed reviews, with some skeptical of his latest reset of French relations with the continent. It’s part of broader challenges Macron faces in asserting French influence — not just in Africa but also in Europe, amid a fast-changing political landscape marked by the war in Ukraine and Russia’s growing influence overseas. From Paris, Lisa Bryant reports for VOA.
More people than ever are moving to Florida, making it the fastest-growing state in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population in the nation’s third-largest state now tops 22 million people. Florida is known for its hot weather, and once air-conditioning became more common in the 1950s, its population exploded. VOA’s Dora Mekouar [meh-kwar] has more from Orlando, Florida. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order directing federal agencies to step up enforcement of a bipartisan gun control law he signed nine months ago that expands background checks for gun buyers and strengthens rules allowing the temporary removal of firearms from a potentially dangerous person. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Ethiopia and Niger this week. In the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, he will focus on implementing the peace deal from last November that ended hostilities in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region after a brutal two-year conflict that left an estimated 500,000 civilians killed. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Salem Solomon contributed.
March marks the ninth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Many Crimean Tatars had to leave their home after Russian forces overran the peninsula — among them Ernest Suleimanov and his family. They fled to Warsaw where they opened a restaurant named "Crimea" right in front of the Russian embassy in Poland. For VOA from Warsaw, Lesia Bakalets has their story. Videographer: Daniil Batushchak
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Central Africa this month has received mixed reviews, with some skeptical of his latest reset of French relations with the continent. It’s part of broader challenges Macron faces in asserting French influence — not just in Africa but also in Europe amid a fast-changing political landscape marked by the war in Ukraine and Russia’s growing influence overseas. From Paris, Lisa Bryant reports for VOA.
From 5G infrastructure to mobile phones and more, Chinese technologies are used in many parts of the world. It’s part of China’s Digital Silk Road initiative, which is getting mixed reviews: welcomed by some countries, while others are assessing the potential risks of Chinese technology. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee explains. Camera: Henry Ridgwell, Adam Greenbaum
Supporters of former populist Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police outside his private residence in the eastern city of Lahore on Tuesday inuring a senior police officer as authorities attempted to arrest Khan for not appearing in court hearings. Speaking to VOA's Pakistan bureau chief Sarah Zaman via Skype, Khan called the attempt to arrest him illegal and signaled that the country's powerful army chief was behind the government's alleged efforts to keep him from running for office.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces what analysts say is his biggest electoral challenge in May elections by a man many have dubbed the Turkish “Gandhi.” Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Hit by tropical storms and hurricanes over recent years, including 2017's deadly Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is looking for ways to combat the impact of climate change. A community in a mountainous region of the island has taken matters into its own hands, creating Puerto Rico's first solar town. Salomé Ramírez reports.
According to recent studies, working four days a week instead of five can improve people's overall wellness. The challenge, however, is whether businesses can maintain the same level of productivity in shorter periods of time. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias spoke with those who have experimented with the formula.
Feroza Amiri is a teacher who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. She and her son started a new life in Northborough, Massachusetts, where she now works at a high school as a teacher’s assistant. Roshan Noorzai has the story. Camera and video editing by Hoshang Fahim.
Illegal fishing is a multibillion-dollar global industry closely linked to organized crime. The trade will pose a greater threat to security as climate change warms the world’s oceans, according to a report from Britain’s Royal United Services Institute. Henry Ridgwell has more from London.
A so-called space environmentalist is working to make the public more aware about space debris by tracking its movement in real time on a website. He says we need to think about space as an ecosystem. Deana Mitchell has the story.
Sudan has said it will host Russia’s first navy base in Africa, despite opposition from the West, as soon as the country completes a transition from military to civilian rule. But while some Sudanese support the business that a base would bring, local tribal leaders are opposed to a foreign military presence. Henry Wilkins reports from Port Sudan, Sudan.
Australia will buy three nuclear-powered attack submarines from the United States as part of a three-nation, multi-decade deal with Great Britain that is aimed at strengthening the allies' presence in the Asia-Pacific region as China grows bolder militarily. VOA's Anita Powell reports from Washington.
While the world has seen images of house-to-house combat in Bakhmut, most of the front lines in the Ukrainian war are different. Dug into trenches or under the cover of trees, soldiers endure the tiring routine of waiting for orders or an enemy attack. Elizabeth Cherneff narrates this report by Yan Boechat from Velyka Novosilka in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
Fourteen children of injured or fallen Ukrainian war heroes got a chance to spend two weeks of vacation in Denver, Colorado, thanks to local volunteers from this U.S. state. Svitlana Prystynska has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Volodymyr Petryniv
Moldova is firing back at what its officials believe are Russian attempts to destabilize the tiny former Soviet republic, which borders Ukraine and has long had leanings toward the West. Moldovan leaders have unleashed a campaign against Russian propaganda that has reopened the debate on the use of the Russian language and on freedom of expression. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.
Boeing structural analysis engineer George Ndayizeye, who grew up in Burundi, has won a 2023 Black Engineer of the Year Legacy Award. He spoke with VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya outside Seattle.
A new maximum-security prison in El Salvador, considered to be the largest in Latin America, was built under orders of President Nayib Bukele as part of his crackdown on crime and gangs that has helped reduce violence in the country. But the project has raised human rights concerns, as we hear from Claudia Zaldaña. Camera: Claudia Zaldaña Produced by: Veronica Villafañe
The more than two-year-long civil war in Ethiopia has left many children orphaned or separated from their families. The psychological trauma lingers for these children. Mulugeta Atsbeha visited children at a school-turned-shelter in this story narrated by Salem Solomon.
The comedy-fantasy 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' dominated the Academy Awards Sunday night. The film earned seven Oscar statuettes, including for best picture. Mike O’Sullivan reports the movie’s directors and three of its stars also received Oscars.Produced by Jason Godman
Some of the Zimbabwean farmers whose land the government seized for redistribution two decades ago moved to Zambia and have prospered. In the past year, those farmers started exporting food to Zimbabwe, which has been struggling with food insecurity, partly because of those land seizures. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Chisamba, Zambia. Videographer: Blessing Chigwenhembe
From the Vatican, Pope Francis sent a message of solidarity with Ukraine as Russian attacks in the city of Bakhmut and other regions intensified. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias looks at the logistical challenges Ukrainian forces are still facing on the battlefield. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
Among the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the early February quake in Turkey are religious minorities that call the region home. These communities have faced the same loss of life and property as other Turkish people, and in some cases, their very existence is at risk. Ezel Sahinkaya reports for VOA. (Camera: Murat Karabulut, Mahmut Bozarslan, Onur Erdogan)
U.S. President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday sought to minimize differences over a Washington plans to subsidize American companies — a concept that has frustrated many in Europe. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
Shikha Dixit is igniting the passion for science and technology for local school students, giving those in underrepresented communities access to high tech. Producer | Camera | Editor: Philip Alexiou
Meet Min Jung Kwon, who works as an influencer, along with her sister and her three little kids. One of the hottest jobs among young people, influencers are people who have the ability to influence potential customers for a product or service by promoting them on social media platforms. Producer: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: June Soh
As the world waits for NASA to announce the first crews in its Artemis missions to the moon, VOA’s Kane Farabaugh talks with several astronauts hoping to make the cut as the space agency promotes diversity in its ranks. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
An exhibition of Ukrainian traditional clothing and unique art pieces opened in Los Angeles to support Ukrainian artists. The goals are twofold, help the artists but also help children in Ukraine. Khrystyna Shvchenko has the story.
A global shortage of semiconductor chips in the automotive industry starting in 2020 has motivated many countries to increase their domestic manufacturing. The United States has allocated more than $50 billion to promote semiconductor production and research stateside as the global need for the chips is expected to double over the next decade. Keith Kocinski has more from New York. Camera: Keith Kocinski and Rendy Wicaksana
An aid group in Ghana is using the popularity of basketball and the Basketball Africa League to help keep kids in at-risk communities in school. A program known as DUNK Grassroots offers basketball practice for students who rack up reading credits at the library. Senanu Tord reports from Jamestown, Ghana.
Top Chinese officials have lashed out at the United States this week with unusually direct, hostile rhetoric coming from Beijing's new foreign minister. Qin Gang warned of conflict and confrontation if the US continues to try to contain China. The US says it is not seeking to contain China and sees no change in relations, as VOA's senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Freedom of the press is a bedrock of democracy and it is now under pressure around the world. From Haiti to Afghanistan and Nigeria to Iran, democracy’s dependence on press freedom on The Inside Story-A Free Press Matters.
Sudan's state schoolteachers have been on strike since November over low and unpaid salaries. They accuse the military government of failing to prioritize education and are calling for the civilian government to be restored. Meanwhile, Sudan’s finance minister says the government has met the teachers’ demands. Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum, Sudan.
Rights groups are warning that independent Turkish media face fines and arrests over critical reporting of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's handling of February's deadly earthquakes. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
A report by Southern Africa Resource Watch says women are more impacted than men by climate change in the coal-producing region of South Africa, one of the world’s biggest coal exporters. Mpumalanga province sees heavy pollution from coal mining and power stations as well as severe flooding that experts blame on climate change caused by the pollution. Jan Bornman reports from Carolina, South Africa. Camera: Zaheer Cassim.
A ruling by Kenya's Supreme Court allowing registration of LGBTQ associations has been hailed as a step forward in gay rights. But homosexual relations are illegal in Kenya and one lawmaker is pushing a bill to increase the maximum punishment for anyone found guilty to life in prison, in same cases even death. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. VOA footage by Amos Wangwa.
Western nations are mulling whether to censure Iran over its nuclear program, as a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, takes place in Vienna this week. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the IAEA urgently wants Iran to explain the recent discovery of undeclared highly enriched uranium.Camera: Henry Ridgwell
Is the fight for democracy at a turning point? Freedom House documents a global decline for the 17th consecutive year. One of the biggest concerns: media freedom. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains. VOA footage by Saqib Ul Islam.
The security crisis in Burkina Faso has impacted every aspect of society, including its film industry. The 28th edition of the Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou, or FESPACO, which ended earlier this month [March 4], reflected this difficult situation both on and off screen. Reporters Yacouba Ouedraogo and Thierry Kaore have this story, narrated by Salem Solomon
A British robotics company is providing bionic prostheses to Ukrainians wounded by landmines in Russia’s war on Ukraine. It plans to provide ongoing support to soldiers and civilians with lower arm amputations. As Amy Guttman reports from Bristol, a big part of the company’s mission is to turn prostheses into superpowers.
As the White House hosts this year’s International Women of Courage Awards ceremony Wednesday for those who have shown bravery in the face of great challenges, one group is conspicuously absent: The Iranian women and girls who took to the streets to stand up for their rights. VOA’s Anita Powell brings us this report.
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives launched an investigation Wednesday into the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in August 2021. Immigration experts and U.S. military who assisted in the evacuation testified that the chaotic pullout was due to decades of bad decision-making. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
Thousands remain in camps almost two years after a volcanic eruption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo forced their displacement. Renewed fighting between the military and rebels has pushed even more people into the camps. Ruth Omar Esther reports from Munigi, DRC. Camera: Esdras Tsongo.
Forced into exile, Afghan journalist Azita Nazimi is frustrated at not being able to report on issues affecting women still inside Afghanistan. Muska Safi and Lisa Bryant have the story for VOA, narrated by Shaista Sadat Lami.
Drones are routinely used in warfare, law enforcement and agriculture. Now more and more U.S. businesses are using them to deliver cookies and coffee right to your front door. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum, Chad Baugh
Over 113,000 Ukrainians have temporarily resettled in the United States, thanks to the U.S. government program Uniting for Ukraine. But many of these refugees are finding themselves lost in a new country. A Virginia agency is helping them start their new lives. Ksenia Turkova has the story. (Camera: Alexey Zonov)
California's desert is drawing artists from Bangladesh and from Mexico to the Coachella Valley for an unusual exhibition called Desert X. For VOA, Genia Dulot went to see.
Kenya in February announced a nighttime curfew in six counties and an amnesty for handing over illegal guns after a series of violent attacks from cattle rustlers and bandits in the northern Rift Valley. But just a few guns were turned in as herders say they need to protect themselves in remote areas that have little security. David Lomuria has more from Lodwar, Kenya in this report narrated by Roderick James.
As parts of southeast Turkey struggle to recover from last month’s earthquake, many are questioning why so many relatively modern buildings collapsed in the 7.8 magnitude tremor — with some engineers pointing the finger at government policy, as Henry Ridgwell reports. Video: Memet Aksakal, Henry Ridgwell
Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa, with junior leagues exploding thanks in part to the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The joint effort between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has young players excited for BAL season 3, which tips off this Saturday. Zaheer Cassim reports from Soweto, South Africa.
Young artists everywhere struggle to earn a living but that's especially true in South Africa, where youth unemployment is more than 43 percent. The International Public Art Festival is trying to help bridge that gap by connecting young artists with companies seeking creative marketing. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town, South Africa.
In the aftermath of last month’s deadly earthquakes on the Turkish-Syrian border, doctors are warning that thousands of cancer patients in the Syrian rebel-controlled Idlib province are receiving little or no treatment, as hospitals are overwhelmed. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
The deteriorating economic situation in Iraqi Kurdistan has prompted many Syrian men living there with their families as refugees to migrate to Europe. This has created unique challenges for the community, especially for the women and children that are left behind for the time-being. VOA’s Sirwan Kajjo reports from Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Secondhand clothing is a huge business in Kenya where an estimated 900 million pieces of used clothes are sent every year, mainly from Europe and the United States. But merchants say most of the pieces wind up in the trash, and a Dutch-led environmental report says nearly a third of the imports have plastics that never decompose and contribute to environmental pollution. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Amos Wangwa
Your voice is uniquely yours, but what would happen if you lost it? It’s a reality for some, and while text-to-speech technologies have allowed the voiceless to express themselves, the results can sound robotic. But new technologies are now enabling users to sound more like themselves. Tina Trinh reports.
Russia’s assault on Ukraine, now in its second year, has set off alarms in neighboring countries. Lithuania is redoubling efforts to prepare for a confrontation that many now see as more possible than ever. Jon Spier narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.
Since the start of the year, the West Bank has seen an intensifying cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The half a million Jewish settlers in the West Bank want the Israeli government to do more to stop Palestinian attacks. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Video by Ricki Rosen and Agencies
Vice President Kamala Harris says the United States is working to mitigate the impacts of climate change because competition for diminishing resources can lead to instability. She spoke about drought and climate change in the Western U.S. state of Colorado. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has our story.
Novgorodske was a typical industrial city in the Donbas region that got poorer after the fall of the Soviet Union. With the war at its footsteps, city residents decided to change its name to New York to draw help and money from the West. But the investments and tourists never came, and now the few New Yorkers remaining look back fondly at their Soviet past. Yan Boechat has the story, narrated by Marcus Harton.
Conservationists welcomed an agreement over the weekend on a long-touted global treaty to protect the ocean and promote the sustainable use of resources such as its oil, fish and other sea life. Participants in negotiations say this will positively affect struggling fishers in Africa and the Global South. Henry Wilkins reports from Port Sudan, Sudan.
All eyes will be on Hollywood Sunday when the Academy Awards, or Oscars, will honor the best in filmmaking. From Los Angeles, Mike O’Sullivan has a preview.
Zambian officials say this year close to 400,000 people have been left homeless by the worst flooding in half a century — which started about four weeks ago. Heavy rains started a month before that and caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding tens of thousands of homes and forcing people to live in makeshift shelters. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Lusaka, Zambia. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Several hundred thousand Russian citizens are thought to have fled their home country since February 2022, when the Kremlin launched the invasion of Ukraine. Critics of the war face imprisonment for "discrediting" the Russian military. Henry Ridgwell spoke to a Russian artist who has found sanctuary in London, and whose latest work addresses the war in Ukraine.
In 2012, UNESCO, the U.N. body tasked with promoting arts and culture, identified the traditional xylophone known as the balafon as an important part of humanity’s cultural heritage. Today, in Ivory Coast, informal workshops with students are underway to promote the instrument and highlight its African origins. Alain Amontchi looks at this unique instrument in this story narrated by Salem Solomon. Video editor: Betty Ayoub.
As Russian and Ukrainian forces intensify their fight for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, residents there are finding it harder and harder to remain. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on the challenges as Ukrainian diplomatic efforts to gain international support continue.
Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Alexandra Alonso Rojas and many others produce their collections with hand-knitted products made by Ukrainian women. It’s been a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, but despite the war, Ukrainian women continue to work. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Vladimir Badikov, Natalia Latukhina.
Two competing events have put on display a cleaving of American conservatives ahead of next year’s presidential election. While Donald Trump and the former president’s only announced primary challenger, his former ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, took to the stage of the high-profile Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, others attended a closed-door retreat in Florida hosted by the Club for Growth. Details from VOA’s chief national correspondent, Steve Herman, in Washington.
Former President George W. Bush recently urged Washington lawmakers to reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, an initiative he launched two decades ago against one of deadliest diseases at the time. VOA Senior Correspondent Mariama Diallo reports.
"The Red Suitcase," a short film by Iranian-born filmmaker Cyrus Neshvad, will compete for an Oscar at the Academy Awards on March 12. The director and his star tell VOA’s Mike O’Sullivan that the film looks at a young woman’s struggle to determine her own future. Camera: Mike O'Sullivan.
The village of Khotin in the Sumy region of Ukraine was one of the first places Russian forces occupied after they invaded the country on February 24, 2022. Locals remember watching Russian forces and tanks enter the village on their way to Kyiv. Olena Adamenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Mykhailo Zaika.
Dei Jay Jamison grew up without many adult role models and a lot of negative peer pressure. Learn how he overcame his childhood adversity and is nurturing resilience in other young at-risk kids. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera: Adam Greenbaum, Philip Alexiou, Editor: Philip Alexiou
Devina Mahapatra believes that no one should go to bed hungry. So, she made it her mission to provide a warm meal to anyone in need in her community. Reporter | Camera | Editor: June Soh
American journalist Nate Thayer, known for his coverage of the end of the Khmer Rouge regime and the emergence of modern Cambodia, died in early January at the age of 62. A unique group of Southeast Asian refugees gathered in late February to honor him. VOA’s Chetra Chap was there. Camera: Sisovann Pin
This month, the U.S. Commerce Department launches its first application under the CHIPS Act to build more semiconductors inside the United States. But officials in Taiwan say the U.S. push to build chips domestically could compromise their national security. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
Since the launch of a U.S. government program called Uniting for Ukraine in April 2022, more than 113,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the US, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Karina Bafradzhian met with one Ukrainian family who arrived as part of that program. Camera: Alexander Bergan
China is slamming a decision by the Biden administration to approve a $619 million potential arms sale to Taiwan that includes hundreds of missiles for F-16 fighter jets. Tensions are high between Washington and Beijing, amid Western fears that Beijing may supply weapons to help Russia win its war in Ukraine. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
This video vetted by VOA Persian and submitted by an audience member in Iran shows what appears to be young students poisoned by an unknown gas at the Jajroudi girls' school in Tehran on March 1, 2023. VOA cannot independently confirm the circumstances of the incident as it is barred from reporting inside Iran.
Texas lawmakers are considering blocking citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from owning any kind of business in the state and restricting land they can own. Opponents of the legislation say it is racist. For VOA, Deana Mitchell reports from the Texas State House in Austin.
More bombing of Ukraine was the way Russia marked the beginning of year two of its war against its neighbor. See Ukraine's resistance, resilience, and refuge on The Inside Story-Russia/Ukraine Year Two.
Nigeria's electoral commission has declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner of last Saturday’s presidential election. However, the two major opposition parties say the results were rigged and have vowed to challenge the results in court. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces reelection amid growing anger over his government’s response to the massive earthquakes that have recently battered Turkey. The longtime Turkish leader is calling for unity and pledging a massive rehousing drive, as the disaster is set to dominate polls announced for May 14. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
One year after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv has survived Russian assault and shelling. The war still shows no sign of ending. Anna Chernikova reports on how residents in Kyiv are coping and preparing for more. Camera: Eugene Shynkar
Pakistan’s economic crisis is hitting the health sector hard. Pakistan relies heavily on imports such as raw material needed to manufacture medicines and complex surgical equipment. The medical supply chain is coming under increased pressure due to the country's low foreign exchange reserves and declining rupee. Sarah Zaman reports from Islamabad. Camera and edit: Wajid Asad, Waqar Ahmad
California has a new poet laureate. And for the first time, that state poet is Asian American. For VOA, Genia Dulot traveled to Fresno, California, to hear from Lee Herrick about his roots and his poetry
In Israel, the ultra-Orthodox, who strictly observe Jewish law, are currently about 13% of Israel’s population, although their numbers are growing due to a high birthrate. At the same time, a growing number of ultra-Orthodox youth are opting out of the community, often cutting all ties to their past. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Big Tech shed tens of thousands of jobs over the past several months as giants Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft have reduced their workforces. But while white-collar jobs are cut, some blue-collar jobs are difficult to fill despite the rising wages in that sector of the economy. Keith Kocinski has more.Camera: Keith Kocinski, Rendy Wicaksana
NATO is made up of 30 members and each country’s military has its own technical systems on the battlefield. Some work together better than others. At the US Army’s easternmost European headquarters in Poznan, Poland, soldiers are working to integrate NATO systems. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb is there.Camera: Mary Cieslak Video editor: Mary Cieslak
US intelligence agencies do not agree on the FBI's assessment that the pandemic "most likely" stemmed from a "lab incident in Wuhan." Katherine Gypson has reaction from Washington.
The second biggest city in Ukraine, Kharkiv, is just 30 kilometers from the Russian border. Under siege by Russian troops for more than six months, the city suffered major damage but never fell. Now Russians are amassing troops across the border once more. Ballistic missiles hit the city more often, and Kharkiv is reinforcing its defense lines. Everyone says they're prepared for a new invasion, but the past haunts the future of its residents. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Yan Boechat in Kharkiv.
Ethiopia's hydropower dam on the Blue Nile River has angered downstream neighbors, especially Sudan, where people rely on the river for farming and other livelihoods. To reduce the risk of conflict, a group of scientists has used artificial intelligence, AI, to show how all could benefit. But getting Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt to agree on an AI solution could prove challenging, as Henry Wilkins reports from Khartoum, Sudan.
For a year now, artillery has played a crucial role in the Ukrainian army’s fight against Russian aggression. The US has already sent over a million shells to Ukraine. Mariia Ulianovska visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant where these shells are made. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
In Senegal, having a child out of wedlock often leads to shame and social exclusion. It can be even more difficult for a foreigner without a family support system. A Congolese single mother living in the suburbs of Dakar shares her story of perseverance. Allison Fernandes has this report from Dakar, narrated by Salem Solomon.Camera: Allison FernandesProduced by: Betty Ayoub
On March 3rd, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES, turns 50. Its goal is to ensure that international trade in animals and plants does not threaten their survival in the wild. But how effective has it been in protecting one of the most endangered species on the planet — the pangolin? VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias delved into the matter.Produced by: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
U.S. lawmakers launched a wide-ranging two-year investigation into U.S. strategic competition with China on Tuesday night, hearing from Chinese human rights activists and former national security advisers. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson spoke to several members of the committee about the issues they want investigated moving forward. Videographer: Mary Cieslak
Technically, the U.S. first lady has no official power. But on a recent five-day trip through two African nations, Jill Biden flexed her popular appeal and experience as an educator and mother figure to shine a light on hunger and inequality, and to ask a deeper question: Who should run the world? VOA’s Anita Powell traveled with the first lady and brings us this report.
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a hearing Tuesday with top Pentagon officials to discuss the tens of billions of dollars the United States has spent on security assistance to Ukraine. Opinions remain split within parties on everything from continuing assistance to the type of training and equipment that needs to be provided next. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has more.
As Uganda looks to drill its first oil wells, critics say the government and its French and Chinese partners are damaging the environment and impeding wildlife migration. Halima Athumani reports from Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Camera: Francis Mukasa
In Senegal, slam poetry is making its mark on urban culture and offering young people a way to voice their opinions about their lives and society. Seydina Aba Gueye has this report from Senegal, narrated by Salem Solomon.
One year after the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a cascade of international sanctions against Russia, the country's economy is feeling the impact, although its effect has not been as fast and effective as Western powers had hoped. Marcus Harton narrates this report from the VOA Moscow Bureau.
Sumaira Saeedi was just months away from graduating from journalism school when the Taliban issued a ban on women accessing education. VOA's Shaista Sadat Lami has the story.
The U.S.-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation held an exhibition February 22 in Washington dedicated to the war in Ukraine.The traveling exhibit "War Up Close" uses virtual reality to show the horrors of the Russian invasion of its neighbor. Karina Bafradzhian has the story. Camera: Andrey Degtyarev.
A new branch of medicine uses the immersive technology of virtual reality to help patients cope with chronic pain, relieve anxiety and even give birth. As Mike O’Sullivan reports from Los Angeles, the approach brings together the latest technology and the age-old techniques of meditation
A South African group is bringing films to African youth in impoverished areas with poor services through solar-powered, portable cinemas. The group, Sunshine Cinema, works in four countries aiming to inspire more youth on the continent through African films. Zaheer Cassim reports from Pankop, South Africa.
A year since Russia invaded Ukraine, the flow of refugees into Poland has slowed, but hundreds still make the journey every day. Among the aid groups welcoming them across the border is a charity staffed by Russian volunteers. As Henry Ridgwell reports from the city of Przemysl, the refugees respond in different ways to their Russian helpers
For about two decades, China has been funding development projects across the globe. An uptick in spending happened in 2013, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping proposing the creation of what China called the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a land and sea initiative. This concept has evolved over the last 10 years into what is now known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Observers say China's strategy to globalize may be entering a new phase. Contributors: Ahadian Utama, Indra Yoga, Nestor Aguilera.
Ecuador’s largest hydroelectric power plant, the controversial China-built Coca Codo Sinclair project, with financing from China, is facing internal and external challenges. Néstor Aguilera reports from Quito, Ecuador. Videographer: Juan Carlos Játiva
Under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, China has been spreading its global influence through the building of major infrastructure like railways, ports and bridges. But another key part of the BRI involves something much less tangible – spreading Chinese language and values as well as the Communist Party’s ideology. Kate Bartlett reports from Cape Town, South Africa. Videographers: Gianluigi Guercia and Rajabu Hassan. Contributor: Charles Kombe
China wants to establish high-speed train service from its southern Yunnan province, across the Mekong and ultimately down into Singapore, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative aimed at increasing its access to the Indian Ocean. If it comes into being over the next decade, the network will pull neighboring Southeast Asian countries closer to Beijing. Thailand is pivotal to that plan, but some have raised questions about the wisdom of the project. Vijitra Duangdee has the details. Videographer: Black Squirrel Productions
China’s Belt Road Initiative promised vastly improved infrastructure to connect people of various developing countries and promote commerce. But aside from widely reported delays, some projects had a hidden cost and unintended local impact, as reported by VOA’s Ahadian Utama in Jakarta, Indonesia. Videographers: Ahadian Utama and Indra Yoga.
It's been more than five years since Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State terror group, yet much of Iraq is still reeling from its aftermath. The government says the country needs 12,000 new schools, and it's looking to outside countries, including China, for help. Namo Abdullah reports that Iraqis are eager to see new schools constructed despite uncertainties surrounding the deal.
Ghana increased already high taxes on imported goods this year, making sanitary pads unaffordable to vulnerable women and girls who are then forced to skip school during their periods. Activists are calling for the taxes to be scrapped and are also producing locally made, biodegradable pads so girls and women don't miss out on education. Senanu Tord reports from Kpong, Ghana.
The newly created House Select Committee on U.S. competition with China will hold its first hearing late Tuesday, with testimony from former President Donald Trump’s national security advisers and Chinese human rights activists. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson sat down with three of the committee’s members to discuss their upcoming work. Camera: Saqib Ui Islam
Pressure is growing on Kenya's President William Ruto to declare a national disaster over a record drought in the country's north that has affected five million people. The failure of a sixth consecutive rainy season is making hunger worse across the region. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir county, Kenya where more than half of the population is facing food insecurity. Camera: Ahmed Hussein
First lady Jill Biden is drawing attention to the severe drought that has gripped East Africa and created an unprecedented food insecurity crisis in Kenya. While the crises in Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan are dire as well, Biden used part of her trip to Kenya to highlight a crisis that is on the cusp of disaster – and to plead for help from other wealthy nations. VOA’s Anita Powell traveled with the first lady, and brings us this report from Lositeti, Kenya.
The United Nations refugee agency says more than 5 million Syrians may have been left homeless by earthquakes that struck the region on February 6. Among the worst hit is the rebel-controlled Idlib province, where access is limited to aid group workers, who are warning time is running out to avoid a famine. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kupiansk has been bombed daily since the end of January, when Russian forces started a new offensive to conquer the industrial Donbas region. Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region, is key to Russia's desire to control the whole east of Ukraine. Now, an estimated 16,000 people are struggling to keep living in this city, with some yearning to leave. Yan Boechat reports.
A nonprofit called World Central Kitchen has been serving over 550,000 hot meals served daily in more than 1,000 Ukrainian cities and towns since Russia’s invasion, helping Ukrainians stay well fed. On the war’s first anniversary, the organization’s founder, Jose Andres, came to the Kyiv region in person. Anna Kosstutschenko met with the world-famous chef. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy.
Bolivia's salt flats, colored lagoons and flamingo sanctuaries attract thousands of visitors every year. But climate change and tourists are endangering the country’s rich flora and fauna. Fabiola Chambi reports in this story, narrated by Verónica Villafañe.
The economy of the small republic of Moldova is paying dearly for having positioned itself in favor of Ukraine. Dependent on Russian energy to survive, the country faces the highest inflation in Europe due to what some observers are calling Russian energy blackmail. Amy Katz narrates this report by Ricardo Marquina in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.
Yulian Dlaboha is U.S. a high school student whose mother is an immigrant from Ukraine and whose father is of Ukrainian heritage. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Yulian wanted to help, so he started collecting warm socks for Ukrainian soldiers. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vladimir Badikov.
At least for now, the United States is declining to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. But as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports, there are some lawmakers in Congress who plan to push the White House to change its position. Video editor: Marcus Harton.
US first lady Jill Biden called for democracy and women's empowerment at the midpoint of her trip to Africa, arriving Friday in Kenya's capital to a lavish welcome after a stay in Namibia. But analysts note that the first lady wields only soft power, and that African nations may not be as keen to change as the US. would like. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Nairobi.
Ukrainians and their supporters marched in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday, one year after Moscow launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. Poland is host to more than 1 million Ukrainian refugees. Lesia Bakalets has more from Warsaw.
Meet artist Jared Owens, whose work is inspired by his incarceration. Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
The trickle-down effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine are still being felt on food prices in vulnerable places, nearly one year after Moscow invaded the neighboring country.
VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching interviewed US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman Feb. 23, 2023.
Russia's war in Ukraine has added to Pakistan's woes as its import-dependent economy has suffered price shocks. One year later, Islamabad not only continues to maintain a neutral diplomatic stance on Russia, but it is also trying to deepen trade ties with Moscow to acquire cheap energy. Sarah Zaman reports on how Pakistan walks a diplomatic tightrope in this conflict. Videographer: Wajid Ali Shah, Waqar Ahmad; Video editor: Waqar Ahmed
Sixty Ukrainian ballet dancers fled Ukraine to escape Russia’s invasion over the past year. They ended up in the Netherlands, where they continue to dance together. Mariia Ulianovska has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
One year after Russia launched its war on Ukraine, Moscow continues its devastating attacks on Ukraine and to meet fierce resistance from the country and its people. Western allies remain united in their support for Ukraine and as do the people of Ukraine, as Myroslava Gongadze reports from Kyiv.
Myroslava Gongadze reports from the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv on toll of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
India says it has found nearly 6 million metric tons of lithium-rich bauxite around the village of Salal of the Reasi district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The discovery a blessing in disguise for many locals. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam has more from Salal.
Zambians and Zimbabweans have been suffering long hours of power loss since water levels at the Kariba hydropower dam plunged to an all-time low in December. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Zambia, which plans to build a $2 billion solar power project to alleviate the situation.
Ukrainians living in South Africa are marking one year since Russia's invasion with a dance production titled 'We Stand for Freedom.' The performance, supported by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, draws parallels between racial oppression under apartheid and Moscow's war on Ukraine. Vicky Stark meets some Ukrainians who fled the war in this report from Cape Town, South Africa.
There are fears of a new global nuclear arms race after Russia’s president announced this week that he would suspend the country's participation in the New START treaty, which limits the number of warheads deployed by Russia and the United States. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Nigerians made up the largest number of sub-Saharan African students in Ukraine when Russia invaded a year ago, forcing thousands to flee. Despite the war, universities in Ukraine and Nigeria have teamed up to help those students complete their degrees. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.
As Ukraine marks one year since Russia's invasion, Jennifer Granholm, the U.S. secretary of energy, talks with VOA’s Iuliia Iarmolenko about U.S. assistance to the country, Ukrainian resilience and a clean-energy future.
Moscow's invasion of Ukraine a year ago has had profound impacts on how the world powers itself. VOA's Steve Baragona explains.
There are more than 8 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe, according to the U.N., and Natalia Rovitska is one of them. Before the war, she was the principal of one of the best schools in Mariupol. After the Russian army destroyed her school and apartment, she managed to flee to Poland, where she works in a Ukrainian school in Warsaw and, through remote teaching, helps keep Mariupol alive. Lesia Bakalets has her story. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
It's been one year since Russia began its war on Ukraine. See and hear what it's been like for Ukrainians and find out what goes into the U.S. and NATO's response on The Inside Story-Ukraine: One Year Later.
In Syria's rebel-controlled Idlib province, February's deadly earthquakes on the Turkish-Syrian border devastated a medical system already weakened from years of civil war. Rebel leaders warn of medicines running out as many quake survivors face disease and infections. Dorian Jones reports for VOA from Istanbul. Camera — Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago saw a dramatic rise in the price of fertilizer for importers like Ghana, where farmers are struggling to cope. Ghana’s economic problems have made imports even more expensive, forcing farmers to switch to different crops and ultimately, reduce production. Kent Mensah reports from Akatsi, Ghana. Camera: Nneka Chile
Zimbabweans living on the border with Zambia are increasingly taking advantage of their neighbor's superior health care. But Zambian officials say they are also draining resources as nearly one-third of patients in some clinics and hospitals are Zimbabweans. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Lusaka, Zambia. VOA footage by Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Overdose deaths from the drug fentanyl have communities across the United States scrambling to respond. In Washington state, librarians are becoming unlikely first responders in this latest wave of the US opioid crisis. Natasha Mozgovaya has our story
As Russian tanks rolled into eastern Ukraine a year ago, millions of Ukrainians fled to Poland. Many came by foot through the Medyka border crossing – where aid agencies mounted a huge emergency response. Twelve months on, VOA’s Henry Ridgwell returned to Medyka to see what has changed – and how authorities are preparing for a possible new wave of refugees.Camera: Henry Ridgwell
People generate more than 50 million tons of electronic waste every year, including copiers, televisions, and computers. Laptops are part of the problem, but engineers at Dell Technologies are working on a new approach to help keep them out of landfills. Tina Trinh reports. Camera: Deana Mitchell
Vitaly Antyshchuk was a Ukrainian soldier who died in a Russian missile strike in the Zaporizhzhia region in May. He left behind his wife, Yulia, and their 6-year-old daughter, Alyssa. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb met up with them in Warsaw, Poland, where they fled to escape the war.
To address the relatively high cost of health care in Africa, a Kenyan mobile application lets users pay for medical services by selling their personal data through blockchain technology. Officials say Snark Health's Hippocratic Coins have attracted more than 300 doctors and 4,000 users. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo.
A U.S.-based search-and-rescue team is back home, having deployed to Turkey after the country suffered devastating earthquakes earlier this month. Begum Donmez Ersoz reports on the specialized team from Fairfax County, Virginia, and the lifesaving duties it performed. Camera: Tezcan Taskiran.
Around the world, prominent women are leaving their jobs to pursue other interests and focus on other priorities. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has the story.
The U.S. Congress has appropriated more than $112 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded one year ago. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson looks back at the scope of that assistance and reports on what happens next. VOA footage by Rob Parsons.
U.S. President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday attended a summit in Warsaw of the Bucharest Nine countries on NATO’s eastern flank, seeking to lessen anxiety about Moscow’s expansionist ambitions. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports from Warsaw.
An organization that trains young people for conservation jobs is recycling dead trees and replacing them with new ones, salvaging valuable lumber in the process. Mike O’Sullivan reports from Long Beach, California.
Early in Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine, its forces came near the capital, Kyiv, and committed some of the conflict’s worst massacres in the communities of Irpin and Bucha. Anna Chernikova recently returned to the scene and has this report. Camera: Eugene Shynkar. Please note this report contains images some may find disturbing.
Several Ukrainians and Russians, who left their countries after the war began, now find themselves classmates in a Turkish language course. VOA’s Soner Kizilkaya and Ogulcan Bakiler have filed this story from Izmir, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.Camera: Ogulcan Bakiler
Nearly a year has passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine sent millions of Ukrainians fleeing to other countries, including to neighboring Poland. Lesia Bakalets reports from Warsaw on how some Ukrainians have adapted to life in Poland and are affecting the economy. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
Russian narratives calling the invasion of Ukraine a "special military operation" are being heard in some countries, thanks to a Russian disinformation campaign targeting specific areas of the world. VOA’s Virginia Gunawan reports. Ukrainian Service contributed to this report. Camera: Laurentius Wahyudi, Naras Prameswari, AP, AFP, Zoom (with license)
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine unleashed a wave of repression against independent journalism inside Russia, forcing many journalists to seek refuge in neighboring Latvia. One year on, their hopes of returning to practice their profession in Russia are few. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Ricardo Marquina in the Latvian capital, Riga.
Over the past year of war, Russia has occupied and lost vast swaths of Ukraine, and it now appears to be attempting to retake some of the same territory. Families remaining in the areas under fire say the losses they have already suffered have been enormous. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast, just north of Crimea. Camera: Yan Boechat.
The Avtushenkos spent the past year living in war-torn Ukraine, but with a new baby on the way, the family left the country to start anew in Texas. Deana Mitchell has the story.
A full year of daily strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine have left people numb, saying they barely hear the sirens. Even far from the frontlines, locals say everything about life in Ukraine is different. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Dnipro in Ukraine. Camera: Yan Boechat
Millions of Ukrainians fled into Poland in the first months of Russia's invasion. A year on, the chaotic scenes at the border have eased – and many Ukrainians now cross back and forth from their home country. As Henry Ridgwell reports from the border town of Przemyśl, Poland is braced for a new influx of refugees as the fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine. Videographer: Henry Ridgwell
On the frontlines in Ukraine, journalists confront risk to report on the war. But with several killed or seriously injured in the past year, media advocates have mobilized to offer training and equipment. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Kyiv, Lviv and the frontlines in the Donbas region of Ukraine. Camera: Yan Boechat
In the first weeks of Russia’s war on Ukraine, refugees who fled to neighboring countries were offered free travel across Europe. A year on, the only remaining free transport is a train from Poland to Germany, paid for by the German state. Henry Ridgwell reports.
One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing the violence have settled around the world. For VOA, Deborah Bloom take us to meet a refugee mother and daughter in the U.S. Pacific Northwest state of Oregon.
A year after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the first German-made tanks should soon arrive on the frontline to support Kyiv’s forces. Over the past 12 months, Germany and other European nations have tried to respond to the return of large-scale land warfare to the continent. Critics say they haven’t acted fast enough, as Henry Ridgwell reports from Berlin.
Fresh off his surprise visit to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, President Joe Biden delivered a speech from the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, marking the 1-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion by highlighting how the United States has unified NATO and the West in support of Ukraine. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara brings this story from Warsaw.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, goes to the polls Saturday to elect a new president amid worsening insecurity and economic struggles. Tensions over shortages of cash and fuel could also influence how people vote. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.
Decades of violence and humanitarian crises have left many Somali people traumatized, according to a health study by the U.N. and Somali organizations. Harun Maruf reported from Washington and Abdulkadir Zubeyr in Mogadishu spoke to mental health doctors and patients in the country. They have this report narrated by Salem Solomon. Camera: Abdulkadir Zubeyr. Video editor Betty Ayoub.
Some conservative-led U.S. states are weighing measures to prevent female impersonators, known as drag queens, from performing at any venues visited by children. They say it's about keeping kids safe, but critics say it's part of a larger anti-LGBTQ agenda. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Videographer: Aleksandr Bergan
Jill Biden left Tuesday for her first visit to Africa as first lady, with plans to visit the Southwest African nation of Namibia and the East African nation of Kenya. There, she will focus on women’s empowerment, children’s issues and the food insecurity that has ravaged parts of the continent. VOA’s Anita Powell, who is traveling with the first lady, reports from Washington.
As both Ukraine and Russia step up military force in Eastern Ukraine, Russia appears to be close to surrounding Bakhmut, a city that has been the site of fierce battles for months. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Bakhmut. Camera: Yan Boechat
With the debut of the artificial intelligence writing tool ChatGPT, uncovering inauthentic content has become more challenging. Matt Dibble has the story.
Myroslava Gongadze reports from Warsaw on Biden’s visit to reaffirm America’s commitment to Ukraine and bolstering NATO’s eastern flank.
A new report in South Africa says basic literacy among young children has dropped since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. Despite government vows to improve reading, the report says more than 30%of South African children entering second grade do not know the alphabet, and the majority of fourth grade students struggle with basic reading comprehension. Some private schools are working hard to reverse the trend, as Jan Bornman reports from Johannesburg. Camera: Zaheer Cassim.
The European Union is marking the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with more sanctions against Moscow. Previous sanctions have targeted commodities like oil, gas, coal, steel, cigarettes, vodka and gold. But one key Russian export is expected to be off the EU’s list once again: diamonds. For VOA, Lisa Bryant went to the world’s diamond trading capital of Antwerp, Belgium, to find out why.
Securing the skies has been a primary concern in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began, and for NATO countries bordering Ukraine and Russia, it is a job that is shared. Fighter pilots from Italy, Germany, the United States and others rotate through countries on the alliance’s eastern flank to keep constant watch for any threat crossing into NATO air space. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb caught up with members of the Italian Air Force as they practiced how to intercept threats entering Romania. Videographer: Mary Cieslak.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced additional military support for the embattled country. Biden will be in Poland Tuesday, where he will discuss U.S. efforts to bolster broader support for Ukraine as it fends off Russia’s invasion. VOA’s Eastern Europe chief Myroslava Gongadze has more. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
The bodies of Syrians killed in Turkey's earthquake are being returned home for burial, overwhelming local cemeteries. Millions of Syrians fled to Turkey to seek refuge from the civil war. Dorian Jones reports from Syria. Camera: Mouneb Taim, Moawia Atrash, Ahmad Fallaha
A growing number of startups are using artificial intelligence to replicate human voices. A company is creating synthetic voices for organizations to use for advertising, marketing and training. Phil Dierking reports. Videographer and video editor: Philip Dierking
A Nigerian banking report shows the volume of electronic payments has surged following cash shortages caused by a currency redesign. The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System says transactions increased by 55% in January alone. While the surge is seen as a positive move toward a cashless society, experts say Nigeria still faces challenges with online payments. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.
The Atlanta-based nonprofit Carter Center announced 98-year-old former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more.
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern Sunday that China may be contemplating sending lethal assistance to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. He made the comments before landing in Turkey, where he toured the damage caused by the recent earthquakes. U.S.-China tensions have spiked after the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports. Ezel Sahinkaya of VOA's Turkish Service contributed.
US President Joe Biden is gearing up to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a speech in neighboring Poland on Tuesday, where he will reiterate the US commitment to support the defense of Ukraine 'for as long as it takes.' This despite growing Republican reticence and softening overall support among Americans. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Russians who fear persecution due to their opposition to Moscow’s war on Ukraine continue to seek asylum in the U.S. after the White House announced its new policy in September. Many are coming through Mexico. Nina Vishneva reports on a mother and her three children who made that journey. Anna Rice narrates the story.
VOA Connect Episode 266 - We follow two Immigrants who are bringing their traditions to their adopted communities.
Follow Ghanaian drummer and singer, Kofi Mawuko, as he bridges cultural differences and makes a living in his adopted hometown, Chattanooga - a small city in southeast Tennessee. Reporter | Camera | Editor: Arturo Martinez
Meet Shrikant Sabnis, a yoga guru who is defying the myth of aging with challenging yoga poses that very few can master. Discover his contribution to a global community during the early days of the pandemic and the importance of community in yoga. Producer | Camera | Editor: Lisa Vohra
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Estonia on Thursday, where the United States and NATO allies have increased force numbers as part of a push to deepen defenses across NATO’s eastern flank. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb gained exclusive access to US soldiers in Estonia, as she crisscrossed the country to learn more about its defense.Camera: Mary Cieslak Video Editor: Mary Cieslak
The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. foreign aid agency, recently crafted a new type of grant to promote cross-border economic integration and trade between two African nations, Niger and Benin. VOA Senior Correspondent Mariama Diallo reports. Cameras: Philip Datcher and wires.
Kenya aims to plant billions of trees in coming years to fight climate change and is enlisting mobile technology to help make it happen. The application JazaMiti, which means "fill with trees" in Swahili, tells users which trees to plant in specific areas, in hopes of increasing the tree survival rate. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo.
Caribbean leaders with the regional bloc CARICOM are focused on helping Haiti deal with multiple crises during a Bahamas summit this week. The group is discussing Haiti’s struggle with armed gangs, hunger, a cholera outbreak and the country’s political vacuum. As VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, the bloc is expected to push for international assistance, including from the United States and Canada.
In an interview, Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, elaborates on Israel’s position after Prime Minister Benjamin vowed last month to stop Iran from "acquiring" nuclear weapons.
Tens of thousands of people are dead and millions are homeless after a pair of strong earthquakes in South Central Turkey. See what happened, hear from those who survived, and watch the heroics of rescuers racing the clock on The Inside Story-Earthquake.
More than 200 political prisoners from Nicaragua were freed in a surprise move by that country’s government on February 9, but dozens more remain incarcerated, including a Catholic bishop. Donaldo Hernandez has more in a report narrated by Veronica Villafane.
Imagine if your dog or cat could use words to let you know when they’re angry, lonely or in pain. Well now they can, thanks to an innovative communication tool that’s helping them express themselves more effectively. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.Camera: Adam Greenbaum Produced by: Julie Taboh, Adam Greenbaum
In the Ukrainian village of Nova Kozacha – just six kilometers from Russia – war has brought death, destruction and separated families on both sides of the border. Yan Boechat reports. Artur Chupryhin contributed.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is running for US president. As VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman reports from Washington, Haley is the first prominent Republican to formally oppose former President Donald Trump, whom she served as U.N. ambassador. Cameras: Phillip Datcher, Anne-Marie Fendrick
More than 100 members of the Ukrainian military are in Poland for intense training on the German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks. Ukrainian leaders say the tanks, promised by Western allies three weeks ago, will help save lives and play a key role in the fight against Russian forces. Myroslava Gongadze has more from an Army base in Swietoszow, Poland. Videographer: Daniil Batu
Ukrainians in Chasiv Yar — a town near Bakhmut in the east of the country — are enduring near-constant shelling as battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces rage close by. Yaroslava Movchan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera — Arthur Shagalin.
This year’s New York Fashion Week is wrapping up after featuring genderless style, throwback 1990s fashion and colorful knitwear to fight sadness. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Producer: Anna Rice. Camera: Vladimir Badikov.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he expects Ukraine to conduct an offensive against Russia in the spring, and that the 54 members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group are focused on providing Kyiv with the ammunition, fuel and spare parts they will need. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The largest and longest running auto show in North America, the Chicago Auto Show, is an annual showcase of the latest vehicle technology and offerings available to customers. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports this year’s show reflects consumer demand, and government mandates.
Villages in northwestern Syria are facing a double disaster. First devastated by last Monday's massive earthquake and then subsequently deluged by the collapse of local levees. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Mouneb Taim.
The town of Lyman in the Donetsk region was occupied by Russian forces between May and October 2022. It has been severely damaged, and those locals who have not left are doing what they can to get through the winter. Yaroslava Movchan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Arthur Shagalin
GPS coordinates are used worldwide to identify a precise location on Earth, but they can be difficult for people to use day to day. This British company has developed an app that allows users to share their GPS coordinates by saying three simple words. Genia Dulot reports.
A Syrian family once displaced by conflict has to start life over for a second time after a powerful quake hit the region on February 6. VOA's Arif Aslan has more in this story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo. Videographer: Arif Aslan
Ethiopia has long struggled with problems of communal friction turning into violent, ethnic conflict. Members of the two largest ethnic groups, the Oromos and Amharas, have come together to showcase traditional conflict resolution through musical drama. Maya Misikir reports from Adama, Ethiopia. Camera: Vinicius Assis.
Less than a week after the U.S. downed what officials say was a Chinese surveillance balloon, the U.S. military shot down three more flying objects of unknown origin. Chinese officials say they can’t say whether the newly downed objects are theirs but say the U.S. is overreacting. As Washington searches for answers, one thing is clear: China-U.S. relations have taken a hit. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
Valentine's Day is the busiest time of year for the flower industry in Kenya, the fourth largest exporter of cut flowers in the world. Kenya's rose and carnation producers are also showing love to Mother Earth, by shifting to solar power to fight climate change. Juma Majanga reports from Nakuru, Kenya.
February 13 marks one week since devastating twin earthquakes struck the Turkish Syrian border. With the death toll surpassing 30,000 and hundreds of thousands more homeless, the region remains in the grip of a growing humanitarian crisis. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. Camera: Memet Aksakal, Mouneb Taim.
The planned clearing of a homeless encampment in America’s capital has again put a spotlight on the country’s homelessness crisis. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias visited the park where scores dwell in makeshift shelters to learn about the challenge.
U.S. fighter jets shot downed two more objects flying over the United States and Canadian territories over the weekend. Although a comprehensive analysis of the debris will be needed, a top Democratic senator said they are now believed to be balloons similar to a Chinese one downed a week ago. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
Activists in Uganda are crying foul in light of the government’s decision to close the United Nations human rights office in the country. Halima Athumani reports from Kampala, Uganda.
Cambodian authorities say heavy rains and a bumper fish crop have improved life along the Mekong River after a nearly four-year drought, poor harvests and the pandemic took a heavy toll on some 65 million people who rely on the waterway for their daily livelihoods. Luke Hunt reports. (Contributor: Sreynat Sarum)
In an interview with VOA Islamabad Correspondent Sarah Zaman, the former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, said security forces’ negligence allowed the Pakistani Taliban to resume its activities. He expressed hope the military would stop interfering in politics and build good relations with Washington — despite accusing it of conspiring in his ouster.
The Nicaraguan government has freed more than 200 political prisoners and expelled them from the country. Many of those released were incarcerated for years for opposing the country’s leadership. All of them have been granted humanitarian protections in the Unites States. VOA’s Verónica Villafañe reports.Camera: Divalizeth Cash, Salome Ramirez, Iacopo Luzi and Donaldo Hernandez Video editor: Veronica Villafañe
VOA Mandarin White House Correspondent Paris Huang speaks with John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, on U.S.-China relations, as well as the latest developments in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Camera - David Krupin, Mino Dargakis
The United States has pledged more than $85 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to Turkey and Syria after an earthquake killed more than 20,000 people in the region. As VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development will go toward shelter, food, water, cold-weather supplies, and health care. VOA footage by VOA Kurdish Service and VOA Turkish Service. Arif Aslan, Orhan Erkilic, and Umut Colak contributed.
California residents are collecting and sending warm clothing and other essentials to help earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice
When the two U.S. football teams take the field Sunday for the Super Bowl, members of the Ukrainian League American Football will be on the field of battle. Olena Adamenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Mykhailo Zaika
With the help of his mother, an 11-year old learns how to make candles using natural and organic ingredients, becoming the CEO of his own company, The Smell of Love Candles. Producer: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: June Soh
Crack the books with a unique reading experience that uses augmented reality to bring artwork to life. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking legal entry into the U.S. must now request processing appointments through a Customs and Border Protection mobile application called CBP One. But amid overwhelming demand, some complain the app doesn’t work. Victor Hugo Castillo reports from McAllen, Texas.
At the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian journalist Petro Shevchenko left his job and headed to the front lines to fight for his country. Seven months later, VOA caught up with him as he came home to spend some time with his family. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story.
Experts predict that psychedelic compounds could become a billion-dollar industry for treating depression and trauma after initial clinical trials in the United States show promising results. Out of respect for medical privacy some full names were not used. Aron Ranen has the story from New York.
US President Joe Biden celebrated his economic record this week during the annual State of the Union address. While US unemployment statistics are on the upswing, economists say there are clear economic challenges. Keith Kocinski reports.Camera: Keith Kocinski and Rendy Wicaksana
Midway through his first term, President Joe Biden addresses a divided and contentious Congress, calling for bipartisanship while making a case for a likely re-election bid on The Inside Story-State of the Union.
US lawmakers demanded answers Thursday from top US military officials, asking why a Chinese balloon surveilling the United States last week was not brought down sooner. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Capitol Hill.
Human rights groups say atrocities are continuing in Myanmar two years after the military coup despite ASEAN attempts to mediate. For the new ASEAN chair, Indonesia, the conflict is threatening to dominate the agenda. VOA’s Yuni Salim explains in this report narrated by Nova Poerwadi.
San Jose, part of California's Silicon Valley technology hub, is the U.S. city where immigrants thrive the most, according to a report that looked at factors such as income, education levels and housing costs. Michelle Quinn has our story.Camera and Produced by: Matt DibbleContributed by Carolyn Presutti
A year after Russia invaded Ukraine, millions of civilians remain displaced by the fighting. Some are still in Europe, but some are in the United States. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska visits with a young Ukrainian refugee family in the Western U.S. state of Colorado. Camera: Volydumyr Petruniv.
In the aftermath of Turkey’s killer quakes, there is growing desperation among survivors and increasing anger over the government’s response. But many people across the country are mobilizing with opposition mayors to help. It’s happening even in places that were not hit, like Istanbul, from where Dorian Jones reports.
More than 43,000 migrants have arrived in New York City in recent months, and Mayor Eric Adams has warned that services to help new arrivals in America’s most populous city are at a “breaking point.” Evgeny Maslov reports on the extraordinary steps New York is taking in this story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Michael Eckels
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, Andriy Kostin, has called for the creation of an ad hoc international tribunal to investigate and prosecute Russian’s aggression in Ukraine. Oleksii Kovalenko has the story. VOA footage by Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
Nairobi’s public buses and vans, called "matatus," and their custom graffiti brighten the busy streets of Nairobi. The idea is the glitzier the vehicle's design, the more customers it will attract. Hubbah Abdi has this report from the Kenyan capital. Narrated by Michele Joseph. (Camera: Joseph Ochieng)
NASCAR, the American stock car racing company, is celebrating its 75th anniversary and striving to bring diversity to the sport. Genia Dulot visited a preseason NASCAR race in Los Angeles and spoke to Daniel Suarez, the first Mexican-born racing driver to win a NASCAR cup series.Camera: Genia Dulot
U.S. President Joe Biden says he wants the U.S. Congress to seek bipartisan cooperation on the significant domestic and foreign policy challenges facing the United States in the coming months. But as VOA's Capitol Hill Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, lawmakers see very differently on key issues. Videographer: Rob Parsons
While Republican and Democratic lawmakers debate the Biden administration’s handling of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that traversed the United States, ordinary Americans also have strong opinions about the incident. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has the details. VOA’s Mandarin Service contributed to this report. Videographer: Wang Ping
Nearly a year ago, tens of thousands of Ukrainians sought refuge in the United States as Russian troops invaded their country. Mike O'Sullivan spoke with two Ukrainian families in California about their lives one year later.
The Syrian rebel-controlled enclave of Idlib on the Turkish border is reeling from Monday’s two deadly earthquakes. The region has already been devastated by years of civil war, and aid agencies now say the need for international assistance is urgent. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. VOA footage by Mouneb Taim.
Zimbabweans make up South Africa's largest group of immigrants, with about 800,000 living in the country, many for decades but not all of them legally and doing low skilled jobs. Authorities have granted about 180,000 Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) but stopped renewing them and announced a June deadline for Zimbabweans to get a critical skills visa or leave the country. Jan Willem Bornman reports from Johannesburg.
Electric trucks tested two years ago in rural Rwanda have quickly expanded as the fleet reduced costs and with a lower impact on the environment. The British company, Ox Delivers, plans to introduce newer models this year and hopes to expand further into East Africa. Senanu Tord looks at the challenges they face in this report from Kigali, Rwanda
A serpentlike robot designed by students from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, could revolutionize how NASA astronauts explore the lunar surface. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more
Russian troops occupied the village of Snihurivka for 9 months, when they retreated, they left behind a deadly legacy of booby-traps and landmines. A Ukrainian demining team is working to make the area safe again. Yelyzaveta Krotyk has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera and Produced by Yelyzaveta Krotyk
President Joe Biden spoke directly to the American people and a divided Congress Tuesday evening in his State of the Union address. Rising tensions with China and a lingering war in Ukraine were the main foreign policy issues, as VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from Washington.
Speaking in front of a divided Congress for the first time since he took office, President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday evening, touting low unemployment numbers and the end of pandemic emergency as he pleads for bipartisanship that’s even more elusive under a Republican-controlled House of Representatives. VOA's White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
The President gave his second State of the Union address with a focus on his domestic economic policy, including an appeal to his Republican opponents to work together.
In response to deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the United States has mobilized search and rescue teams to support relief efforts. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias spoke with humanitarian workers about the challenges and how people can help.
The University of Johannesburg has launched a 3D printing technique that can build a house in one day. The university is working on a government pilot project to build low-cost homes in South Africa, which has a severe housing shortage. For VOA, Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg.
The death toll from Monday’s massive earthquakes in Turkey and Northern Syria has passed 5,000 people, with rescue efforts continuing into another bitterly cold night. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Istanbul with Memet Aksakal in Diyarbakir, Turkey.Camera: Memet Aksakal, Mahmut Bozarslan
There are fans for all kinds of things, from sports to birds to stamps. This is true for trains as well. VOA’s Aunshuman Apte reports.
A severe egg shortage in the U.S. is prompting a flood of unusual contraband at the U.S.-Mexico border: fresh eggs. Cesar Contreras reports this story, narrated by Veronica Villafañe.
Electric scooters are buzzing in cities all over the world. With accidents rising, some scooter operators and local authorities in the United States are using technology to improve safety. Deana Mitchell has our story
As Russia’s targeted attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure continue, Ukraine is forced to rethink its energy future. While inventing ways to quickly restore and improve the resilience of its energy system, Ukraine is also looking for green energy solutions. Anna Chernikova has the story from Irpin, one of the hardest-hit areas of the Kyiv region. Camera: Eugene Shynkar.
The European Union has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — even as member states tighten restrictions against economic migrants and asylum seekers from elsewhere. That includes France, which unveiled new immigration legislation last week. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from the Paris suburb of Evry Courcouronnes.
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives campaigned on the promise to investigate the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. With the 118th Congress now underway, VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson previews their concerns about immigration, political favoritism and the handling of classified documents.
The Philippines is forging closer military ties with the United States, granting U.S. forces access to an additional four military sites. As VOA’s Chris Casquejo explains, the enhanced partnership comes amid rising concerns over an increasingly aggressive China.Produced by Chris Casquejo
Kim Gunn, South Korea’s Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs (left), and Sung Kim, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea (center) appear on Washington Talk, a show hosted by Eunjung Cho of VOA's Korean Service.
Some 120,000 ethnic Armenians in the mostly Azerbaijan-controlled region of Nagorno-Karabakh have been cut off from the rest of the world for over 50 days and are now facing a humanitarian crisis. Arus Hakobyan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
The death toll continues to rise after two massive earthquakes struck Syria and Turkey on Monday. Officials say more than 1,600 people have been killed, thousands are injured and many others remain missing across the region. VOA's Heather Murdock reports from Istanbul. Videographers: Orhan Erkilic, Mahmut Bozarslan, Onur Erdogan
Centuries-old weavings from the Caucasus, Iran and Turkey show the individual stories and intertwined histories of the region in a museum exhibit in the Western U.S. state of Colorado. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has our story.
The success of the critically acclaimed 2022 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has put a spotlight on Asian representation in the U.S. film industry. Now, an American actor of Hmong descent and a Cambodian American filmmaker have made a new movie about the Asian experience in the United States. VOA’s Chetra Chap reports.
U.S. educators are debating the merits and risks of a new, free artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT, which students are using to write passable high school essays. So far, there isn’t a reliable way to catch cheating. Matt Dibble has the story.
Israel’s new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a close personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, Israel has been providing extensive humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in its yearlong battle against Russia’s invasion. Balancing relationships with both sides is a challenge for Israel’s new government. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
The war in Ukraine has left thousands of wounded soldiers, many of whom require the latest technologies to heal and return to normal life. For VOA, Anna Chernikova visited a rehabilitation center near Kyiv, where cutting edge technology and holistic care are giving soldiers hope. (Myroslava Gongadze contributed to this report. Camera: Eugene Shynkar )
Debris recovery operations went into high gear in the United States, after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down Saturday. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains how the craft’s remains could help answer key questions about its purpose and shape a new phase of U.S.-Chinese relations. Video editing by Marcus Harton.
After the EU border agency Frontex said more migrants and asylum seekers are now taking the Balkan route to western Europe than any other, research groups argue it’s because sea routes are becoming more dangerous. Meanwhile, at the land route’s terminus in Trieste, Italy, nonprofits say systems for housing migrants are being overwhelmed. Henry Wilkins reports.Camera: Henry Wilkins
Dennis Wilder, a former China analyst with the CIA, discusses with Nike Ching the suspected Chinese spy balloon that was spotted drifting across the United States this week.
VOA White House Correspondent Sayed Aziz Rahman speaks with National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby about what the Taliban’s policies mean for future US relations
In 2021, the “Ghetto Project” was started in Lome, Togo, for impoverished young people. The objective was to help them get out of poor urban areas, find work and stay away from drugs. Amen Assignon looks at how the project is going. Narrator: Michele Joseph. Camera: Steven Midjola.
In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the U.S. and NATO drastically ramped up defenses across eastern Europe. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb got a firsthand look at how the closest U.S. troops to the war in Ukraine are holding the line with NATO allies.
Local authorities and activists are reacting to the Texas governor's appointment of a new “border czar” to improve security and help accelerate the construction of a wall along the Mexico border. VOA’s Victor Castillo reports the move is not without controversy.
Pakistani authorities say most of the victims of the January 30 deadly suicide attack on a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, were local policemen. Over 100 people were killed and dozens more were injured in the attack. Iftikhar Hussain narrates this report from VOA's Deewa Service. Videographer: Riaz Hussain and Usman Khan
In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the US and NATO drastically ramped up defenses across eastern Europe. In Romania, for example, US troop numbers tripled, from approximately 1,000 troops in January of last year to about 3,000 today. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb joined up with some of those soldiers for a first-hand look at how the closest US troops to the war in Ukraine are holding the line with NATO allies.
Nearly 200 years ago, the U.S. government promised the Cherokee people a seat in Congress in exchange for their homelands. So far, it has not delivered. Today, the Cherokee people are calling for Congress to fulfill that promise, but there is disagreement over which of three Cherokee tribes should get the delegate seat. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Dana Preobrazhenskaya
Across Lithuania and the other Baltic countries, thousands of activists are fighting Russian disinformation on social media. They called themselves elves — “because elves fight trolls.” Oleksii Kovalenko has the story for VOA. Camera: Oleksii Osyka
Will President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union speech be a rerun of the first, or will he cover new ground? Analysts lay out what they expect to hear from him. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
Western naval forces are having to adapt to a new threat as adversaries develop new capabilities to target critical undersea infrastructure such as gas pipelines and cables. Henry Ridgwell reports.
From a police beating in Memphis to Asians seemingly targeted in California; the suicide bombing of a mosque in Pakistan to renewed violence in the Middle East, the sheer volume of recent deadly force incidents demands attention, on the Inside Story: Deadly Force.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to China as Washington seeks to put guardrails on ties with Beijing amid rising tensions. But as State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching reports, expectations are low for Blinken’s trip to reset the fraught relationship between the two countries. Contributor: Yihua Lee, VOA Mandarin
Zimbabwe is attempting to boost its agricultural sector with support from controversial partner Belarus, which is under sanctions for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited Zimbabwe this week on his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Aviation history was made this week when U.S. aerospace company Boeing delivered the last of its iconic 747 airliners. Natasha Mozgovaya has our story from Washington state. Video editing by Bakhtiyar Zamanov and Jason Godman.
The United States says Russia is violating the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the two countries. In August, Russia suspended inspections of its nuclear facilities as required by the treaty. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports. Contributed to by Harry Knyagnitsky.
Vice President Kamala Harris paid her respects Wednesday at the funeral of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died last month after a brutal beating by Memphis police officers. Activists say more needs to be done to strengthen laws to prevent police brutality, which disproportionately affects people of color. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
For years, David Leung’s grandfather and father worked each night at Wo Hop restaurant. Considered a New York City institution by some, the Chinese restaurant opened in 1938 and is said to be the second oldest in Manhattan’s Chinatown. But Leung’s appreciation for Wo Hop didn’t develop until much later, when he realized the extent of his family’s involvement. Tina Trinh reports.
The past year saw little progress in tackling global corruption due to greater violence and insecurity, according to the organization Transparency International. Their annual index measures citizens' perceptions of the level of corruption. As Henry Ridgwell reports, there are some encouraging signs that corruption is being successfully tackled in Africa. Videographer: Henry Ridgwell
Zimbabwe plans to build "Zim Cyber City," a modern capital expected to cost up to $60 billion in raised funds and include new government buildings and a presidential palace. Critics are blasting the plan as wasteful when more than half the population lives in poverty and the government has let the current capital, Harare, fall apart. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has traumatized many adults and children in the war-torn country. To help, Nataliya Vyetrova created the Ukraine Volya Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Ukrainian children cope. Mykhailo Komadovsky has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Pope Francis arrives in South Sudan Friday for his first visit to the world's youngest country, which is struggling to quell unrest that has displaced more than 2 million people. Sheila Ponnie reports from Juba, South Sudan. Videographer: Bebe Joel.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his visit to the Middle East on Tuesday with a visit to the occupied Palestinian territories. In a rare U.S. public criticism of Israel, Blinken told reporters afterward that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are an obstacle to peace. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Ghanaian photographer and film maker Paul Ninson has opened Africa’s largest photography library in Ghana’s capital, Accra. The hub called the ‘Dikan Center,’ houses more than 30,000 photography books and collections on African photography pioneers, diaspora, and creatives. Nneka Chile reports from Accra, Ghana.
Pakistan is facing a severe economic crisis. Prices of staples like food and fuel are skyrocketing. The country must repay billions in external debt, but its foreign reserves are so low it can barely afford to buy a few weeks' worth of imports. As the government tries to revive stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund to unlock much-needed assistance, Sarah Zaman looks at how delaying reforms has brought Pakistan to the brink of economic disaster.
The United States has been increasing the pressure on Myanmar’s military junta in part by targeting their financial resources. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports that two years after the military seized power from Myanmar’s elected leaders, the sanctions are still escalating but the generals remain in charge.
Jill Biden’s inaugural outfits have a new home at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington. These inaugural dresses have always been about much more than looking great, as the first lady and the fashion designers explain. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Dmytri Shakhov
Voice experts have long known that a person's voice can provide important information about their emotional, physical and mental health. Now a U.S. government-funded project is collecting and analyzing thousands of voices and using artificial intelligence to diagnose illnesses. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
In India, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress Party has concluded a five-month long foot march through the country, hoping to resurrect the political fortunes of the party that has been pushed to the sidelines in the last decade since the rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Anjana Pasricha in New Delhi reports on the impact of the march. Camera: P. Pallavi
Pakistani authorities say a suicide bomb attack on a mosque filled with police officers in the country’s northwestern city Peshawar has killed 61 people and wounded more than 150 others. Iftikhar Hussain has this report from Washington. Usman Khan and Umar Farooq contributed.
During his visits to Egypt and Israel Sunday and Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East. His remarks came amid a rise of violence in the region and growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details.
As the World Health Organization celebrates World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day January 30, the Atlanta-based Carter Center is marking continued progress in the fight against Guinea worm infections. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more on how countries in Africa are working to rid the world of the parasite once and for all.
The death of a Turkish migrant after he traveled to a Greek island late last year has prompted demands for Turkey’s foreign ministry to take up the case. As Henry Ridgwell reports, a Turkish lawmaker has accused the Greek government of committing murder — but Greece denies any knowledge. Camera: Memet Aksakal
A group of military advisers from the U.S. and other members of the global coalition against the Islamic State group are working closely with Kurdish forces in Iraq to modernize the fighters and prepare them for future terror threats. VOA’s Sirwan Kajjo has this report from Ranya, Iraqi Kurdistan.
India’s population is set to surpass China’s sometime this year according to the United Nations. Experts say while this represents an opportunity to reap a demographic dividend, much will depend on how India leverages its numbers, especially its massive population of young people. Anjana Pasricha has a report from New Delhi.
Chinatown in Los Angeles held the 124th historical Golden Dragon Parade in celebration of the Lunar New Year Saturday. The event wasn’t canceled despite the attack on a ballroom dance hall just over a week ago in Monterey Park, where a gunman killed 11 people. Genia Dulot reports.
The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya — Africa's biggest refugee camp — is about to get even bigger. Kenya has approved more land for the crowded camp to help relieve congestion. The expansion comes as thousands of Somali refugees fleeing record drought and hunger arrive in Dadaab in search of relief. Juma Majanga reports from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.
Fears of widening Israeli-Palestinian violence have been realized, with attacks in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. The State Department is calling for de-escalation as Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to the region. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Asian communities in California are reeling from two mass shootings within days in places where residents gather and work. The shootings happened as residents celebrate Lunar New Year after three years of the pandemic, a period when Asian hate crimes spiked. Michelle Quinn reports. Camera: Matt Dibble, Suli Yi, Roy Kim
Cameroon journalists are calling for an investigation and say their profession is in danger after a popular radio host investigating government corruption was found dead. Emmanual Jules Ntap has more from Yaounde.
A celebration turned into a violent tragedy when 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at a Southern California dance studio on Lunar New Year’s Eve. One man describes how he left the studio just minutes before the massacre started.
VOA Connect Episode 263 - We visit communities who are working together to make food production more sustainable.
As countries around the world prepare to send high-tech weapons to Ukraine, remnants of the Russian occupation of some villages reveal how low-tech the war can also be. VOA's Heather Murdock reports from the Kherson Oblast in Ukraine. Videographer: Yan Boechat
Buying an electric vehicle remains challenging for many consumers. High prices and limited access to charging stations can make it a difficult decision, especially in emerging markets like Indonesia. VOA’s Ahadian Utama reports. Camera: Ahadian Utama, Indra Yoga
Ukraine's plea for more tanks is being answered by the U.S., Germany, and Britain. How that impacts the balance of power on the battlefield and seeking solutions to power up Ukraine's electric grid on The Inside Story-Flashpoint: Ukraine.
China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea place it at odds with many Southeast Asian nations. Some of those countries have their own territorial disputes. Resolving could be smart economically but put them at odds with Beijing. VOA's Yuni Salim explains in this report narrated by Nova Poerwadi.
The children still in Ukraine are being forced to deal with the trauma of war. To help them process their emotions, Ukrainian psychologists are using a method called toy therapy. Anna Kosstutschenko reports.
Nigeria's electoral commission says will hold elections in February despite threats to its facilities and staff. Since Nigeria's last elections in 2019, the commission has recorded more than 50 attacks on its facilities. Observers say such violence could hinder voting if it happens in the run-up to the polls. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria.
With the U.S. now joining Germany and Britain in promising to send battle tanks to Ukraine, what are the capabilities and differences among the three types of tanks that will join the fight? VOA’s Steve Redisch takes their measure.
Around 80 German-made Leopard 2 tanks will be sent to Ukraine in the coming weeks, Berlin says, while Britain and the U.S. are also planning to send dozens of main battle tanks. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the decisions are being seen as a "pivotal" moment in the war.
Tanzania's opposition Chadema party held its first public rally in six years this week, after the government lifted a ban on such gatherings. Despite the restored right to rally, critics doubt Tanzania's Party of the Revolution, the second-longest ruling party in Africa, will stop squeezing opponents and say a change in law is needed. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. VOA footage by Rajabu Hassan.
The United States recently announced that it would impose new sanctions on the Wagner Group and designate it as a transnational criminal organization. This came as new details emerged about Wagner Group recruitment efforts outside Russia. VOA’s Milena Durdic has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Turkey’s Constitutional Court on Thursday rejected a call by the second-largest opposition party, the HDP, to postpone a decision to shut down the party until after the Turkish general elections, now set for May. Critics say the decision adds to concerns that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is using the judiciary to undermine the opposition ahead of the poll. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
After a recent military pullout, only about 400 French troops remain in Burkina Faso to help the government fight Islamist militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. But now many in the country want Russia to help and the government has ordered all French troops to leave within the month. Reporter Kader Traore has more from Ouagadougou in this report narrated by Vincent Makori.
There’s a big political mess in New Hampshire. The White House wants to move the first presidential primary from its long-established home to the more ethnically diverse South Carolina, a state seen as more voter-friendly for incumbent Joe Biden. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman, in Manchester, New Hampshire, reports voters there are firmly opposed to the change proposed for next year and vow their primary will go on as planned no matter the objections from out-of-state Democratic Party bosses. Camera and edit: Adam Greenbaum, Contributor: Anita Powell at the White House
President Joe Biden has announced the United States will send 31 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, just hours after Germany announced it is sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks, in a united effort to help Kyiv defend itself against invading Russian forces. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Top Chinese, Russian and American officials are visiting Africa, the world’s fastest-growing continent, this month. Several U.S. officials are in Africa, walking a fine line between their desire for Africa’s support against Russian aggression and Chinese ambitions, and their promise to do work that benefits the continent. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
President Joe Biden announced the U.S. will send 31 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine just hours after Germany said it will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The moves are part of a united effort to help Kyiv defend itself against invading Russian forces. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Preliminary reports from an ongoing investigation into a December landslide that killed 31 people in Malaysia seem to indicate the area used as a farm and campsite was not zoned for agricultural, commercial or recreational use. David Grunebaum reports from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The war in Ukraine has exposed Europe's energy dependence on Russia and is spurring the development of new, cleaner-burning biofuels. Spain is emerging as a leader in this effort, with the introduction late last year of airplane fuel made from olive pits. Marcus Harton narrates this report from Alfonso Beato in Seville.
The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson was retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russia in November, but the city remains a warzone, with families being displaced again and again by constant attacks. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Kherson, Ukraine.
The past three years have been brutal for the small businesses that make up Manhattan’s Chinatown. The pandemic forced the closure of several longtime restaurants and stores, but as Tina Trinh reports, two second-generation Asian Americans are harnessing the power of social media to bring foot traffic back.
Nine major storms in three weeks have left 20 people dead and caused widespread flooding in California. This follows years of drought that helped fuel devastating wildfires. Both extremes show the influence of climate change.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in Zambia, the second stop in a three-country swing, where she assured the country’s president and its finance minister that the timely restructuring of Zambia’s debt is a top priority. She spent most of Tuesday highlighting long-term measures to mitigate the sort of threats to food security exposed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. VOA’s Mariama Diallo reports.
As Californians deal with two mass shootings just days apart, President Joe Biden is supporting gun control measures introduced by California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein to renew the 1994 assault-weapons ban. But as White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports, with Republicans controlling the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court leaning heavily conservative, the legal landscape for more gun control in the U.S. looks bleak.
Tensions continue to simmer at a Chinese-owned nickel smelting facility in Indonesia after a deadly riot erupted on January 14. Analysts say the violence sheds light on the business practices of a Chinese company. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has the details. Camera: Revi Limbong, Rendy Wicaksana, Rudini
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the alleged mishandling of classified documents by both President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. The controversy has raised questions over why so much government information is secret and how it should be protected. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
For the past few months, human rights activists have been sounding alarms about the Russian private military company Wagner Group using convicts to fight Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Now, the White House says casualties are “extraordinarily high” among the estimated 40,000 convicts fighting for the mercenary group on front lines in Ukraine. Igor Tsikhanenka has more. Patsy Widakuswara contributed.
A so-called space environmentalist is working to make the public more aware about space debris by tracking its movement in real time on a website. He says we need to think about space as an ecosystem. Deana Mitchell has the story. Camera: Deana Mitchell Produced by: Deana Mitchell
As they overcome the challenges of operating in water, underwater drones are becoming more available for hobbyists, researchers and public agencies. Genia Dulot reports.
Since Kenya began its voluntary refugee repatriation program in 2017, more than 85,000 Somali refugees have resettled back home. But due to record drought in the Horn of Africa, thousands of them have returned to Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp to seek relief. As Juma Majanga reports from Dadaab, those who have returned are finding themselves locked out of aid programs because Kenya has banned the registration of new refugees.
South Africa's record power cuts have forced small businesses to rely on expensive generators to keep running, threatening their existence and the country's economic growth. Those businesses include Soweto Creamery, which was praised by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for opening its doors with the help of government COVID grants. But the creamery and many other businesses may not survive the latest epidemic of rolling blackouts, as Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg.
Poland said Monday it would send its German-made tanks to Ukraine, regardless of any objections from Berlin. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Germany is under intense pressure from allies to send its Leopard 2 tanks to aid Kyiv’s forces — but is refusing to make a quick decision.
Muhammad Sabir, a child who made a living from collecting scrap paper, now leads ‘Slumabad,’ a school for poor kids living in the slums of Lahore, Pakistan. VOA’s Saman Khan brings us the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
The death count has risen to 11 in Saturday’s shooting near the small city of Monterey Park near Los Angeles. Nine others were injured in the attack at a dance club that was popular with older Chinese Americans as Chinese New Year celebrations got underway. The suspected gunman, who was also Asian, died of a self-inflicted gunshot. Mike O’Sullivan spoke with residents about the tragedy that has shaken the quiet community.
Samira Gawhari was studying law at Kabul University when the Taliban took power in 2021. Because of Taliban laws, she can no longer attend university, but she says she is determined to finish her degree. VOA’s Afghan Service spoke with her about her future in this story narrated by Nazrana Ghaffar Yousufzai.
As bombs rain down across Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, some residents remain in its near-deserted cities and towns, patching up bombed-out buildings and holding on to hope that the war will come to an end. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar in the Donbas. Camera: Yan Boechat.
After assuming power in August 2021, the Taliban government issued various decrees limiting the rights of Afghan women. These include bans on women's employment and education and traveling more than 70 kilometers without a male relative. VOA’s Nazar ul Islam has more from Kabul, Afghanistan, in this report narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
On the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a gunman opened fire at a dance hall in a predominantly Asian community of Monterey Park, California. At least 10 people died during and 10 were injured. Officials said a 72-year-old man suspected of carrying out the shooting was found dead the next day with self-inflicted gun wound. The motive for the attack is unclear. Genia Dulot reports.
In the remote Tharparkar desert of Pakistan’s Sindh province, the ratio of boys and girls in school remains uneven, but one young girl is determined to defy the odds. VOA’s Sidra Dar brings us the story of the teenage girl whose goal is to become a doctor. Camera - Khalil Ahmed.
A new poll indicates 64% of Americans view U.S. President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents as “inappropriate.” The results of the ABC/Ipsos poll were released as even more documents with classified markings were found at Biden’s residence in Delaware. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. Video editor – Marcus Harton.
The European Union says it faced "unprecedented challenges" at its borders last year, with a sharp rise in asylum-seekers arriving on Europe’s southern shores and millions of Ukrainians fleeing to Europe to escape Russia’s invasion. As Henry Ridgwell reports, there are fears that Moscow is planning to create a new migrant crisis on the EU’s borders.
Pakistani women studying medicine in Afghanistan have been affected by the Taliban decision to ban women from universities. VOA’s Munaza Shaheed spoke to some of them.
VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara speaks with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby about the significance of administration actions against the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company.
Western defense ministers meeting at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany did not agree on providing tanks to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's invasion. Still, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the alliance is focused on providing Kyiv with credible combat capability as Ukraine prepares for a spring counteroffensive. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
VOA Connect Episode 262 - People who are pursuing their passion with a career by the water.
We talk to Jess Yeoman, one of two women tugboat captains in New York Harbor about the challenges she faces in everyday work and the art she creates when not skippering boats. Reporter: Anna Nelson, Camera: Vladimir Badikov, Producers: Nathalia Latukhina, Dimitry Vershinin
Amaani Lyle has always followed her passion pursuing new challenges and making career transitions. Now, in the third chapter of her life, she is immersing herself into the world of boating. Producer: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: June Soh
The city of Bakhmut, Ukraine has been an epicenter of bombings for months and is now the sight of a fierce battle. As artillery rains down in the area, some residents rest underground, while a few others brave the violence to make a small amount of money in an outdoor market. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. Camera: Yan Boechat
China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang this week wrapped up his first tour to Africa during which he visited five countries. He stressed that China does not see the continent as an arena for a new power struggle between the West and Beijing. Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg.
While the president promises assistance for people affected by California storms, critics urge stronger climate action
Anticipation is building for Lunar New Year, as millions of Chinese people plan trips to see relatives under Beijing's relaxed zero-COVID policies. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports on the festivities — and the worries about spreading infection — during the holiday that many Asian people will celebrate Sunday. Some of the video in this story comes from Chinese state television.
After a bruising fight over its leadership, a new Congress takes over Capitol Hill. How will divided government impact America’s direction? From immigration to defending Ukraine, The Inside Story: New Congress, New Challenges.
Rescue workers are still pulling what remains of bodies out of the rubble after a bomb hit a residential building in Dnipro, Ukraine on Saturday. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Dnipro that hundreds of survivors remain homeless. Camera: Yan Boechat
President Joe Biden is facing a Department of Justice investigation following last week’s revelation that documents with classified markings were found in his home and office. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the latest.
As the coronavirus pandemic enters its fourth year, the United States is grappling with a new subvariant of COVID-19 called XBB.1.5, and China is reporting a spike in cases following the dismantling of its zero-COVID policy. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports.
Manhattan’s Chinatown, one of the oldest Asian enclaves in the United States, is experiencing a rebirth. A new generation of social media-savvy Asian Americans are revitalizing their family businesses and attracting new visitors to the distinctive neighborhood, which in the past two years has borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic along with anti-Asian discrimination. VOA’s Tina Trinh reports.
After months of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, some locals try to rebuild their small businesses by way of emergency services’ power supplies as the violence continues. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Kyiv in Ukraine. Camera: Yan Boechat
Threatened for her reporting inside Afghanistan, Mina Akbari fled to Pakistan. But the journalist says adapting to life in a new country is a struggle. For VOA, Muska Safi has more from Islamabad in this report narrated by Roshan Noorzai. Contributors: Roshan Noorzai, Shaista Lameh Sadat.
In India’s desert state of Rajasthan, farmers have long cultivated only hardy crops that could survive the arid conditions and intense temperature variations. But using modern farming techniques, some farmers are experimenting with growing more exotic crops. Anjana Pasricha has a report on one such venture.
As thousands of migrants arrive at the state of Tamaulipas on the northern Mexican border, its government has set up food pantries and opened emergency shelters to protect people from the low winter temperatures and taken action to prevent diseases. Víctor Hugo Castillo reports from Reynosa, Mexico. Camera: Veronica Villafañe
The George W. Bush Institute in Texas has ranked metropolitan areas across America where it says immigrants are being embraced and thriving. VOA's Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti shows us how Colorado Springs, Colorado, typically a conservative town, made the list. Videographer: Scott Stearns
In his meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday at the White House, President Joe Biden appeared to have made no progress to get the Netherlands to support U.S. restrictions on exporting chip-making technology to China, a key part of Washington’s strategy in its rivalry against Beijing. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
As the leaders of the United States and the Netherlands show a united front against the war in Ukraine, Moscow announces it will boost its military capabilities. But as VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports, Russia also leaves the door open for high-level talks with the CIA.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, the military and private citizens started using Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink, which eventually became key to Ukraine's resistance. From Kyiv, Myroslava Gongadze tells the story of one Ukrainian engineer who volunteers to support the technology and the soldiers who use it.
Russia's war against Ukraine is increasingly targeting the civilian population and the country's electricity infrastructure, in a bid analysts say seeks to break the will of the people. But huge power ships from Turkey could help to thwart Russia's goal, as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Despite constant power cuts, attacks on infrastructure and fears that they could turn deadly at any time, locals in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, say they are trying to build their businesses and live as normally as possible. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports.
In early January the United States put in place a new humanitarian parole process which allows some Cuban, Haitian and Nicaraguan migrants to live and work temporarily in the U.S. and expands the number of Venezuelans eligible. Some Central American migrants argue they should also qualify for the same humanitarian relief. Victor Hugo Castillo reports from Reynosa, Mexico. Video editor - Veronica Villafane.
In California, a camera the size of a car is being prepared for its mission: documenting unseen phenomena in the universe. Matt Dibble has the story.
As the annual World Economic Forum gets underway this week in Davos, Switzerland, Oxfam says extreme wealth and extreme poverty have increased simultaneously for the first time in 25 years. The charity is calling for fairer taxation amid soaring global inequality, as Henry Ridgwell reports. Videographer: Henry Ridgwell
At one of Ukraine’s main hospitals for the war-wounded in Lviv, medical workers and patients say they are preparing for long-term and sustained violence by Russia against their country. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. Camera - Yan Boechat.
Many more violent incidents linked to extremist groups occurred in Benin’s north last year than the government has officially acknowledged, a recent report found, as the country has become the new front line in the Sahel conflict. In Natitingou, in northern Benin, reporter Henry Wilkins meets witnesses to attacks.
Los Angeles based conductor Charles Dickerson is convinced that every metropolitan area with a big African American population should have a classical youth orchestra to help take local kids off the streets. He created the largest majority Black youth orchestra in the U.S. Genia Dulot reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a controversial law late last year that expands government regulation of Ukrainian media. The new law has some critics calling it censorship. Oleksii Kovalenko has the story. Videographer: Oleksii Osyka
As the United States this week remembers the champion of civil rights, Martin Luther King, Jr., President Joe Biden is facing scrutiny into whether he mishandled classified documents. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports on why both Republicans and Democrats agree that the ongoing investigation into the matter is necessary.
While there’s no knowing when the war in Ukraine will be over, one volunteer organization in western Ukraine – called Lviv Knights – has been working since 2014 trying to help restore old historical buildings while at the same time helping Ukrainian soldiers by collecting whatever equipment they can. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story from Lviv, in western Ukraine. VOA footage and video editing by Yuriy Dankevych.
The Biden administration is sending its first representative to Africa since promising in December that several high-level officials would visit in 2023. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's three-stop visit is aimed at strengthening economic ties with the continent. VOA's Mariama Diallo reports.
US President Joe Biden commends Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for boosting Japan’s military spending and changing its defense posture, citing threats from China, North Korea and Russia as reasons the allies ramped up their collective security. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
VOA Connect Episode 261 - We visit the Word Museum in Washington D.C and meet people who are repurposing day-to-day things into works of art.
A California couple is creating a new form of art using words from old dictionaries. Learn how they got started and what prominent person acquired their art. Producer | Camera | Editor: Genia Dulot
Meet Remington Robinson, an artist who paints miniature oil paintings in Altoid Tins. Dive into his creative process and find out how he uses social media to connect with fans and buyers. Director | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
China’s borders are open for the first time since the pandemic began, and some of its citizens are heading to the United States in their first trips outside the country. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has this report, with contributions from VOA’s Mandarin Service. Camera: Genia Dulot, Wang Ping, Anne-Marie Fendrick
The effects of the war in Ukraine are extending beyond Moscow and Kyiv, and may be impacting not only people but also wildlife. VOA's Bilal Hussain reports from Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir. VOA Mandarin Service contributed to this report.
The United States has announced plans to create a more agile marine unit based in Okinawa to help defend its ally, Japan, and the entire Indo-Pacific region from increasing threats from China. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
President Joe Biden’s lawyer said Thursday that more documents had been found at his Delaware home. Earlier this week, classified documents from the Obama-Biden administration were found at a Washington think tank where Biden had an office after his vice presidency. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reports.
After a long battle to elect Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, Republicans are looking ahead to their priorities in the 118th Congress. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson previews looming debates over border security, the debt ceiling and investigations into the Biden administration.
A Turkish court has convicted the head of Turkey's Medical Association of terrorism propaganda, as rights groups warn of an intensifying legal crackdown on civil society ahead of elections this year. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
This week on The Inside Story, a look into the 150th anniversary celebration of Yellowstone National Park. Come visit the beauty and natural wonder of this unique location, learn about its history, and see what's being done to keep it pristine for years to come. Airdate: January 12, 2023
Israel has vowed to crack down on an armed Palestinian resistance group in the West Bank called the Lion’s Den, which has carried out dozens of attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians over the past six months. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Nablus. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Britain and Japan signed a defense agreement Wednesday that could see troops deployed on each other’s territory. As Henry Ridgwell reports, it’s a sign of growing concerns over China’s military power.
For years, 51-year-old Rodney Stotts says he was living a dead-end life. Today, he is a different person, teaching young people about birds of prey and the importance of protecting the environment. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Sergii Dogotar
A statue in Benin of one of the female warriors of Dahomey, which appeared in the Hollywood film 'The Woman King,' was likely built by a sanctioned North Korean company, according to evidence discovered by VOA's Korean Service. In an exclusive interview with VOA, the Beninois government denies the statue was constructed by North Korea. Henry Wilkins reports from Cotonou, Benin.
The past year has seen a litany of human rights crises across the world, from Ukraine to China to Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch says in its latest annual report, released Thursday. The authors also say, however, that new champions of human rights have emerged. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Air traffic control operations are returning to normal across the United States after thousands of flights were canceled or delayed by a malfunction in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration system that left pilots, airlines and airports without crucial safety information for hours. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian shells have been a part of daily life in the city of Odesa. But a determined set of locals is fighting back, from hairdressers to police officers who are part of a territorial defense effort. Anna Kosstutschenko reports. Camera: Pavel Suhodolskiy
In India, hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes in a Himalayan town where officials say the land is sinking. Experts say the crisis underlines the risks posed by unsustainable development in a fragile mountain region. Anjana Pasricha has this report. Camera: Masood Najem
The leaders of the U.S., Mexico and Canada say they are working together on some of the biggest challenges their continent faces, among them: irregular migration, drug trafficking, trade agreements in the face of Chinese competition and unity against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the solutions — and the leaders’ views of them — are not so straightforward. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from the summit of North American leaders in Mexico City.
After almost a year of negotiations, Ecuador recently announced it has concluded a free trade agreement with China. Nestor Aguilera reports this story from Ecuador, narrated by Miguel Amaya.
Superconductors are substances that allow electricity to pass through them without resistance, helping machines run faster and save energy. But some of the most effective ones work only when they stay super cold. Scientists are hunting for higher-temperature superconductors for the practical advances they might bring. For VOA News, Shelley Schlender reports
Czech voters are preparing to choose a new president — with support for Ukraine and relations with Russia and China among the key issues. As Henry Ridgwell reports, three candidates are neck and neck in the polls.
National security forces have intervened to restore order in Brazil after an estimated four thousand supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, who do not accept the results of the October elections, took over and vandalized the Congress, the Supreme Court and President’s Palace, in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia. Edgar Maciel in Sao Paulo reports.
Ryan Hendrickson is a retired Green Beret, a special forces unit of the U.S. Army. But today he is in Ukraine, helping to clear mines laid by invading Russian forces and keep soldiers and civilians safe. For VOA, Іa Meurmishvili talked to Hendrickson in this report. Video editor – Anna Rice.
U.S. President Joe Biden visited the American border town of El Paso, in Texas, Sunday afternoon before traveling to Mexico City to meet with North American leaders. This is Biden’s first trip to the Southwestern border since taking office. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more. Jorge Agobian contributed to this report.
Nature photographers from around the world expressed their sentiments about an ever-changing planet in a contest sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, a U.S.-based environmental nonprofit. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more on the winning images.
Now that U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has finally been sworn in, Republican legislators can begin working on their agenda. Veronica Balderas Iglesias takes a look at what they seek to accomplish, and their planned "checks and balances” on the Biden administration.
The United States is sending 50 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine, with President Joe Biden saying that right now, Ukraine's war with Russia is at a critical point. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
In early December, Ukrainian officials said they estimated 10,000 to 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. We visited Lviv to meet with some of the families that have lost loved ones in the war. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych
VOA Connect Episode 260 - We visit William Padilla-Brown, a self-taught citizen scientist and mycologist whose passion for mushrooms is leading to new discoveries as he teaches others and works to build a healthier, more sustainable world.Director | Producer: Aaron Fedor and Kathleen McLaughlin,DP | Drone: Aaron Fedor,DP: Clint Bolduc,Editor: Kyle Dubiel,Additional Camera: Mike Hiltz,
Major tech companies are appealing to consumers' evolving lifestyles, tastes and personal values with connected devices that touch on nearly every aspect of daily life. From the CES 2023 consumer technology show in Las Vegas, VOA's Tina Trinh has the story. Video editor: Matt Dibble
With more than 100 radio stations closed in the past 12 months and proposals to regulate social media, Venezuela’s journalists brace for a tough time. Alvaro Algarra in Caracas for VOA, with a report narrated by Veronica Villafañe.Camera: Alvaro Algarra
U.S. President Joe Biden says he will visit the Texas-Mexico border ahead of a summit next week with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, a move that will put a focus on immigration. From Washington, VOA’s Anita Powell looks at what the leaders will cover during the two-day summit in Mexico City.
The corruption scandal at the European Parliament deepened this week as officials said they would seek to lift the immunity of two more lawmakers accused of taking bribes from the Persian Gulf state of Qatar. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the investigation could impact economic ties between Europe and Qatar, a key supplier of energy.
With more than 100 radio stations closed in the past 12 months and proposals to regulate social media, Venezuela’s journalists brace for a tough time. Alvaro Algarra has this report for VOA from Caracas, narrated by Veronica Villafane.
Tens of thousands of tech innovators and their fans are flocking to Las Vegas this week for the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Deana Mitchell has spotted some up-and-coming tech trends.
The U.N. Security Council is due to discuss the controversial visit by newly appointed Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to a Jerusalem holy site this week. The visit sparked criticism across the Arab world and from Israel’s closest ally, the U.S. Analysts say it is a sign that the new hardline Israeli government could spark new regional tensions. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
With Russian rockets targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and electrical grid, scientists in the northern city of Sumy, some 330 kilometers east of Kyiv, are hoping to start mass producing solar technology that could help keep the lights on. Olena Adamenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera and video editing by Mykhailo Zaika.
U.S.-backed forces in Syria have begun a new military campaign targeting Islamic State militants in several towns in northeast Syria. VOA’s Zana Omer has more in this story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
CES 2023 opens this week in Las Vegas. After an unusually low turnout last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, organizers say the consumer electronics show is back in full swing. VOA’s Julie Taboh shows us some of what to expect.
The U.S. House of Representatives failed to choose the next Speaker of the House Tuesday, as a group of conservative U.S. lawmakers continued to vote against fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy’s bid to lead the 118th session of Congress. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
U.S. Air Force veteran Mark Lindquist has been sleeping outdoors in Fargo, North Dakota, to bring awareness to the need in Ukraine. He visited the war-torn country earlier this year and has since focused on giving back to the Ukrainian people. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Alexander Barash
A new report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies says "once in a hundred years" floods will become more common in coastal communities due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. As a stretch of West Africa’s coast is set to become the world’s largest megalopolis and an economic powerhouse, academics worry rising sea levels will stymie growth and impact the continent and the world. Henry Wilkins reports from Ganvie, Benin.
On New Year’s Day, thousands attended the inauguration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a ceremony full of symbolism. Lula stands to once again become one of the most influential left-wing leaders in Latin America after four years of a far-right government in Brazil. Lula struck a conciliatory tone in his speech but said there would be consequences for those who acted against the law. Yan Boechat has this story from Brasilia, Brazil, with Joao Castellano contributing.
Surveys by the Pew Research Center show U.S. President Joe Biden is widely trusted and viewed as a strong leader in most countries polled, while confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin has plummeted since his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine last year. VOA’s Cindy Saine reports from Washington.
The easing of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic meant more journalists were out on assignment in 2022. But that, combined with an expansion of deadly conflicts, has triggered a spike in killings and jailings of journalists. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has our story.
Analysts who study democratic and authoritarian regimes are taking special note of recent protest movements in Iran, China and Russia. They caution that the authoritarian regimes in these three countries are strong, and a certain set of circumstances must line up for dictators to fall. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has our story.
Pope Emeritus Benedict served for just eight years before making history by stepping down in 2013, saying he didn’t have the mental or physical strength to run the church. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has more.
Across America, gun violence took a deadly toll in 2022 with a near-record number of mass shootings, including a horrific attack on an elementary school and shooting sprees allegedly motivated by hate. Overall, death rates from firearms rose to the highest level in nearly three decades. VOA’s Chris Simkins reports.
Thousands decorate dozens of parade floats — some representing charitable organizations — for the colorful New Year’s tradition in Pasadena, California
Brazil and the world said goodbye Thursday to a man who many consider the greatest football player of the last century. Pele died in São Paulo at the age of 82. Brazilians took to the streets to honor their greatest idol in the country's most popular sport. For VOA, Edgar Maciel reports from Sao Paulo.
President Joe Biden has said he will be taking time over the holidays to discuss with family members whether he should pursue a second term in the 2024 election. White House and Democratic Party officials say it is almost certain he will run again. But will he secure his party's nomination? VOA's chief national correspondent Steve Herman went to inquire in Prince George's County, Maryland, which gave Joe Biden his highest percentage of support in the 2020 general election – 89 percent. Videographer: Saqib Ul Islam
Amid fears of violence, Brazil is preparing for its tensest transfer of power since the end of the military dictatorship more than 40 years ago. Determined to create chaos, President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters attempted a terrorist attack a week before Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration, set to happen on Sunday. Videographer: Yan Boechat
Some 2 million Ukrainian children have been displaced by the war. For those forced to leave and those still in Ukraine the war can have severe psychological impacts. But a simple therapeutic tool is helping some kids cope. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story, narrated by Steve Baragona. Camera and video edit: Ivan Pavlovych
In 2022, North Korea launched more missiles than it ever had in a single year. But with world attention focused elsewhere, North Korea wasn’t an urgent global priority. At least for now, Pyongyang may be happy with that dynamic, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea.
For the first time in decades, war is at the European Union’s doorstep after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So far, the conflict has triggered a remarkably unified response by the 27-member bloc. But will it last— as the fighting drags on, plunging the EU into an energy crisis and likely recession? From Paris, Lisa Bryant reports for VOA.
Brazilian football legend Pelé has died at the age of 82, after battling cancer and cardiac problems the past year. Over the course of his legendary career, the man who led his national team to an unprecedented three World Cup titles became known as one of the sport’s greatest players. VOA’s Robert Raffaele has more on the life of the international icon.
Kenya's health ministry says sex education digital services launched to help rein in the country's teenage pregnancy problem have attracted more than 5,000 youths. "Nena Na Binti," which means "Speak with a Sister" in Swahili, gives information and counseling on reproductive health by mobile application and a toll-free number to Kenyan teenagers, who have the world's third highest rate of pregnancy. Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
In search of refuge from harassment and threats in Nicaragua, dozens of journalists are seeking shelter in neighboring Costa Rica, where a nonprofit helps them adjust to a new life. From Costa Rica, Donaldo Hernandez reports for VOA.
Tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are threatening the region's endangered mountain gorillas. Despite the strain, communities living along both sides of the border have teamed up to improve gorilla conservation. Senanu Tord reports from Musanze, Rwanda.
Sarah Ashton-Cirillo used to be journalist based in Los Angeles. A transgender woman, she is now a military medic in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Tatiana Vorozhko met with her in Washington in early December, when she came to brief U.S. lawmakers and experts on developments on the front lines. VOA footage by Dmytro Melnyk. Video editing by Dmytro Melnyk and Anna Rice.
Rights groups say Tunisians are leaving their homeland in numbers not seen since the North African country’s revolution 12 years ago. The exodus reflects a growing despair over a democratic experiment that has foundered — and hope for a better future in Europe. Lisa Bryant reports from the southern Tunisian fishing city of Zarzis, an emigration hotspot — and graveyard.
Countries in Africa’s Western Sahel region – including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – saw a 50% increase in deaths due to conflict in 2022. That is according to figures from the Armed Location and Event Data Project. As violence has spread, so too has Russia’s influence and political instability, with increasing coups and numbers of displaced people. Henry Wilkins reports from Niamey, Niger.
Recent Russian-Belarusian military exercises have raised fears of a second invasion of Ukraine from the north. While Ukrainians see Belarus as an aggressor, some observers and members of the Belarusian opposition say that not all Belarusians side with Russia. In fact, some Belarusians decided to prove their allegiance to Ukraine by joining its army. Myroslava Gongadze met with members of a Belarusian regiment before they were sent to the front lines.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby announced late December that Russia's Wagner mercenary group is expanding its influence, recruiting convicts and receiving arms from North Korea. Garri Knyagnitsky has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
VOA's Horn of Africa Service hosted a discussion about Ethiopia's two-year-long civil war and the prospects for peace. VOA's Salem Solomon attended the event and has this report. Videographer: VOA Studios Video editor: Salem Solomon
A small Christian community on the Indian side of Kashmir celebrated Christmas with fervor. Despite being a minority religion, the community has helped shape education, health and sports sectors in the disputed Muslim-majority region. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam has more from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir. Camera and video edit: Wasim Nabi
Amid a strategic rivalry with China and the war in Ukraine, President Joe Biden intended in 2022 to strengthen ties with traditional Middle East allies such as Saudi Arabia and Israel to counter the threat from Iran and ensure stability in the region. Whether he accomplished that is a matter of debate. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara recaps Biden’s year in the Middle East.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II died in September after seven decades on the throne. Her passing was mourned around the world – and the funeral watched by millions. Henry Ridgwell looks back at an extraordinary period in Britain's history
Aid workers say record drought in Somalia is hitting women and girls the hardest, putting them at risk of gender-based violence and seeing girls pulled out of school. Women and girls are forced to walk further from home to get water and education, making them vulnerable to attacks. Juma Majanga reports from Togdheer, in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland.
Small farmers produce about one-third of the world's food. Yet they lack global visibility and face many obstacles getting their crops to larger markets. A new app is helping to change that for some farmers in Africa. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
The United States has committed more than $19 billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine since February 24, when Russia invaded its neighbor. That’s an average of about $2 billion per month for weapons, ammunition, training and other Ukrainian defense needs. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb takes a look at what weapons have been most effective on the battlefield, what weapons experts say are still needed, and what’s yet to come.
Taking to the air could be one solution to help get around traffic jams on city highways. Genia Dulot reports from Los Angeles on plans to get air taxis flying in time for the city’s 2028 Summer Olympics.
Residents of the East Village neighborhood in New York City known as Little Ukraine, as well as members of the local Ukrainian American community, have been doing what they can to help refugees from the war-torn country who have made it to the United States. Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Michael Eckels.
Neil Turner, the chief of Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan, denounced the ban as an 'egregious' step by the Taliban and disputed allegation that NGOs were not in compliance with Islamic dress codes for female staff.
Three years ago, scientists in Wuhan, China first reported infections from a novel coronavirus. Since then, the world has developed and delivered 13 billion shots against COVID-19. It is an unprecedented achievement, but it has been tarnished by unequal access. The global program aimed at improving vaccine equity has announced it will narrow its focus to the poorest countries. VOA's Steve Baragona has a look at the global COVID vaccine drive as a pandemic blamed for more than 6.5 million deaths enters its fourth year. Video editor: Steve Baragona
Since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine in February, Poland has become a key NATO ally in confronting Moscow’s aggression and an indispensable U.S. partner in the region. More than 7 million Ukrainians have crossed the Polish border as refugees. Today, Ukraine and NATO allies rely on Poland for the delivery of weapons and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze has this report from Warsaw. Camera: Daniil Batushchak.
The end of 2022 saw major layoffs at Twitter, Amazon, Salesforce and Snap. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, had its first layoffs ever, cutting about 13% of its staff. Deana Mitchell looks at what the tech job losses mean for the future.
Like many U.S. cities, Denver, Colorado, is struggling to accommodate a sudden influx of migrants – more than 1,500 arriving by bus since December 9, according to Denver’s mayor. VOA’s Carolyn Presutti reports the newcomers are straining city social services already stretched thin during the holiday season. Camera: Scott Stearns, Video editor: Scott Stearns, Luis Da Costa
The global economy was gripped by an economic crisis in 2022, as the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic was exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which sent energy prices soaring. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
When President Joe Biden took office in early 2021, he was hoping to restore confidence in American democracy following the false allegations of a "stolen" 2020 presidential vote and then the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Nearly two years later, VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine takes a look at the administration’s record on strengthening democracy at home and abroad.
Virtual reality, an immersive technology embraced by gamers, has moved into medicine, where it is used for stress relief, physical therapy, pain management and other applications. Mike O’Sullivan has more.
Moldovan intelligence officials say Russian forces could launch a military offensive early next year in southern Ukraine in order to link Russian forces there to Russian-backed separatists in Moldova's Transnistria region. Anna Kosstutschenko reports. Camera: Paviel Syhodolskiy . Note: Some interviewees withheld their names for security reasons. Some of the people interviewed did not provide their last names because of security concerns.
Dazzling Christmas light displays are back outside ahead of the December holiday, and in the United States, more people are visiting big public displays following a pandemic hiatus. VOA’s Saqib Ul Islam visited one of the largest and most technologically advanced displays in the country for a closer look.
The United Nations says high food prices in 2022 led to a crisis of affordability that has pushed millions more people into hunger. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer talks to experts about the situation and what to expect in 2023.
During the past 15 years, China funded the construction of massive infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. But after the country’s economy collapsed this year, there were questions whether these projects built as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative contributed to the crisis in the small Indian Ocean island country,Anjana Pasricha has a report. Camera: Darshan Singh
US lawmakers investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol released the final report of their findings Thursday. After a year and a half of investigation and more than a thousand witnesses, investigators alleged former President Donald Trump played a key role in encouraging the attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Defying the Taliban’s ban on university education for girls, dozens of Afghan women’s rights activists and female students on Thursday staged protests in Kabul, Takhar and Nangarhar provinces. VOA’s Munaza Shaheed reports from Washington.
The ho ho hos of Christmas are not as plentiful this year in the United States as the country faces a shortage of Santa Claus performers. Aron Ranen has the story from New York City. Producer: Igor Tsikhanenka. Camera: Aron Ranen.
The Israeli arms industry is growing fast, due in part to Russia’s war in Ukraine and increasing Iranian military threats to the Middle East and beyond. The Israeli defense company Rafael recently signed a deal with the U.S. Lockheed Martin Corporation to develop, test and manufacture the Iron Beam laser system, the newest example of Israel’s anti-missile and anti-aircraft technology. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
Follow VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb into the cockpit of American fighter jets in the remote state of Alaska to explain why the US has such a significant military presence there on The Inside Story-Alaska: America's Strategic Frontier.
Following recent Russian missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine’s energy operator Ukrenergo has been conducting emergency shutdowns in the Kyiv area. Russia has repeatedly hit the Ukraine's capital and other cities, often targeting critical power and water facilities. Last week, VOA Eastern Europe Bureau chief Myroslava Gongadze visited key energy facilities that supply electricity across the country. Camera - Eugene Shynkar.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed U.S. lawmakers and met with President Joe Biden on Wednesday in a dramatic visit to the United States to rally his top international partner to sustain its military and economic assistance in Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
Uncertainty over the migrant crisis on the U.S. southern border continues to grow, as Texas Governor Greg Abbott deploys the National Guard along a key stretch of the Rio Grande. Cesar Contreras reports from El Paso, Texas. Camera: Cesar Contreras.
Students from China make up more than 30% of the international students in the United States. But many of them are not returning home during the end-of-year break at a time when China has relaxed its strict zero-COVID policy. From Los Angeles, VOA’s Elizabeth Lee explains why.
The January 6 panel has referred Donald Trump to the Justice Department for criminal investigation in connection with efforts to flip the 2020 election. The White House is trying to avoid appearing as if it is targeting a potential '24 opponent. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports.
As farmers in the United States are coping with rising input costs, some are turning to environmentally beneficial methods to curb expenses and make money while sequestering a driver of climate change. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more from Glasgow, Illinois.
Authorities in the Texas border city say they will continue to move forward with emergency declaration contingency plan
Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso says significant developments came out of this year’s U.S. Africa Leaders Summit in Washington. Also the chairperson of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, Sassou-Nguesso has called the world's attention toward resolving the political crisis in Libya. He sat down with VOA Correspondent Mariama Diallo in this exclusive interview. Videographer: Hakim Shammo
As Lebanon’s economy collapses, young men from the country’s impoverished north are joining the Islamic State group in growing numbers. As Nicole Di Ilio reports from Tripoli, it's not just poverty or the extreme ideology driving them into the hands of the militants. Videographer: Nadim El Roz
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Belarus Monday in what some see as an attempt to pressure dictator Alexander Lukashenko into joining a ground offensive. VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze reports from the Ukrainian-Belarusian border with videographer Eugene Shynkar.
U.N. experts say the ice cap on Africa's biggest peak, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, is among the famous glaciers predicted to melt by 2050 because of climate change. While scientists are looking into whether they can halt the melting, those who depend on the mountain for tourism worry about the future. Charles Kombe reports from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Homelessness is a major issue in many U.S. cities and difficult to address. An organization in Seattle is developing a new way to use data to better serve homeless people. Phil Dierking reports
The "loss and damage" fund agreed to last month at the COP27 climate conference aims for rich nations to help those that have borne the brunt of their global- warming emissions. In Niger, climate change has fueled desertification and conflict as communities compete for dwindling resources. Henry Wilkins visits a community that is demonstrating how more funding can make a difference and speaks to the country’s environment minister.
Prince's guitar, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Jim Henson's original handmade Kermit the Frog — these are among the 200-plus items on display at the new exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Videographer: Artyom Kokhan
Despite pressure from Western countries, India has remained steadfast in its partnership with Russia, refusing to condemn the war in Ukraine and not joining Western sanctions against Moscow. However, as Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, this has not affected its growing ties with the United States. Videographer: Darshan Singh
For the first time in U.S. history, Congress has made criminal referrals for a former American president. The committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol urged the Department of Justice to bring four criminal charges against Donald Trump, including aiding the insurrection. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
With images of snowy villages, nutcrackers, candy canes and more, Artechouse’s "Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse" brings to life the festive feelings of the season. Maxim Moskalkov visited the event. Camera: Sergey Sokolov
The prospect of Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu returning to power after his November election victory is raising questions over the future of Turkish-Israeli rapprochement, analysts warn, given the past tempestuous relations between Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Elon Musk had an eventful year, capping 2022 with a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, a takeover that almost didn’t happen. The controversial CEO has brought changes and disruptions, layoffs and resignations that put Twitter’s fate into question. VOA’s Tina Trinh has more.
Ukraine’s energy operator Ukrenergo says it would be conducting emergency shutdowns in the Kyiv area following the latest Russian drone attacks. Last week, VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze spoke with Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi about recent developments.
An underground Catholic movement started in 2002 with the secret 'ordination' of seven women in Germany by official male bishops. The movement has grown to 250 women globally, despite the Catholic Church's rules preventing women from becoming priests. VOA senior Washington correspondent Carolyn Presutti takes us to several masses to explain the international controversy.
U.S. lawmakers this week face a tight deadline to pass a massive bill funding the federal government through next September. The size and scope of the U.S. military budget and a new round of aid for the conflict in Ukraine are among the high-profile items being negotiated. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent, Katherine Gypson, has more.
When Igor Ponochevny drew his first political cartoon, he was living in Russia and working at a bank. Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 inspired him to draw under the pen name Alyosha Stupin. VOA Russian spoke with the artist. Anna Rice narrates the story. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian.
Malaysia’s new prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is being tested early on. Many citizens have high hopes that his administration can improve the country's struggling economy. For VOA News, Dave Grunebaum has the story from Kuala Lumpur.
Tunisia’s president Kais Saied is facing mounting questions about the direction he’s taking the Arab Spring’s only democracy, after it registered the lowest election turnout of its post-revolution history Saturday. Fewer than one in 10 eligible voters cast their ballots in legislative elections — the first since President Saied seized wide-ranging powers last year. For VOA, Lisa Bryant in Tunis reports the opposition is calling on Saied to resign.
Russia’s war on Ukraine tested U.S. ties with India this year as New Delhi abstained from condemning Moscow’s aggression and imported vastly more Russian energy. Sarah Zaman reports that despite their differences over Russia, the U.S. and India’s shared concern about China kept the allies close.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February brought large-scale land warfare back to Europe, plunging the world into a dangerous new era of conflict and nuclear brinkmanship. The West responded with huge supplies of arms for Ukraine and harsh sanctions on Russia. Henry Ridgwell reports.
With two of the country’s oldest presidents poised to compete for the office in 2024, Americans are increasingly asking how old is too old to lead a nation where the average resident is in their 30s? VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
From major climate and social funding to protections for same-sex marriage and investigations into former President Donald Trump, Democratic lawmakers had a busy year holding the majority in both the Senate and House. VOA's Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson looks back at the year on Capitol Hill. Videographer: Adam Greenbaum
A peace deal to end Ethiopia’s two-year civil war with Tigrayan forces was struck in November, but whether it will be honored remains to be seen. There is a desperate need for aid across much of Tigray, and on both sides, victims of possible war crimes are crying out for justice. Henry Wilkins, who reported for VOA from Ethiopia this year, has this report.
Leaders of the United States and China agreed to maintain open lines of communication after their first in-person talks since Biden became U.S. president. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the November G-20 summit in Bali. But after years of tension over issues including trade and Taiwan, many expect frictions will persist. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has the report.
In a one-on-one interview with VOA's Russian White House correspondent Mykhailo Komadovsky, NSC spokesperson discusses U.S. support for Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, ties between Russia and Iran
The mayor of Reynosa, Mexico, near the US border, is warning migrants to stay away because his city has been overwhelmed by the thousands of migrants already there and can't help any more who are making their way to the United States. Victor Hugo Castilllo reports. Camera: Victor Hugo Castilllo.
In Washington, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium — known as RFK stadium – which hosted many of the capital’s beloved sports teams – is decades old and now defunct. It holds many memories for fans but is now being deconstructed in phases through 2023 to make way for something new. As part of a farewell campaign, fans are being invited to buy some of the old stadium seats. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Artyom Kokhan
In 2012, actress Chulpan Khamatova was campaigning for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now based in Latvia, she speaks out against Putin and his war on Ukraine. Anna Rice narrates this story from VOA's Russian Service.
The U.S. Africa Leaders Summit concluded with bonhomie and billion-dollar goals, plus a hint of a presidential visit to the continent. President Joe Biden stressed his administration’s commitment to Africa – and urged its leaders to respect the will of their people. VOA’s Anita Powell reports.
The United States is finalizing plans to send Patriot missiles to aid Ukraine’s fight against the unprovoked Russian invasion, according to U.S. officials. Lawmakers are also nearing a deal on new humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Tunisians vote Saturday for a new parliament aimed to reflect President Kais Saied’s vision of grassroots politics. Observers predict low turnout among a disaffected electorate squeezed by a deep economic crisis. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from Tunis.
Thousands of migrants are in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez — just south of El Paso, Texas — awaiting the December 21 end of Title 42, a Trump-era policy allowing the swift expulsion of migrants at the U.S. border. Cesar Contreras reports from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Turkish forces are poised to launch a military offensive into Syria against US-backed Kurdish forces there. But as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, Ankara is facing opposition, and not only from Washington.
From Russia's war on Ukraine to the continuing COVID pandemic, go inside the year's biggest stories and see where we are headed next year on The Inside Story-Farewell 2022
To get through the winter, Ukraine needs emergency support. Most Ukrainian power plants, all hydroelectric plants and all thermal power plants, were damaged or destroyed by Russian shelling, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says. Officials say at least $1.5 billion is needed for only the superficial quick restoration of Ukrainian energy facilities destroyed by Russian strikes. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze has this report from Ukraine.
Russian forces battered Posad-Pokrovs'ke, a village northwest of the city of Kherson. But like Kherson, the town has been liberated, and residents are slowly returning. Yelyzaveta Krotyk has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera and produced by: Yelyzaveta Krotyk
President Joe Biden enumerated billions of dollars' worth of U.S. investments in Africa in remarks to African leaders and the continent’s business community at a three-day summit. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington.
Donald Trump is running for president again, hoping to become the second president in U.S. history to win nonconsecutive terms. To find out how he's doing in one of his strongholds, VOA chief national correspondent Steve Herman went to Mount Storm, West Virginia. Camera: Saqib Ul-Islam.
The record-breaking drought in the Horn of Africa has affected half the population of Somalia, including Somaliland. The U.N. says if more aid does not arrive soon, the country will suffer its worst famine in half a century. Juma Majanga reports from Burco, Somaliland. Camera: Juma Majanga.
Tolerance for Native American-themed sports mascots is wearing thin across the United States. New York is the latest state to ban them from public schools. Activists say conversations about the mascots — and respect and equality are long overdue. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports. Cecily Hilleary and Lynn Davis contributed to this report.
India’s economy is posting the fastest growth among major economies putting it on track to become the world’s third largest before the end of the decade, financial forecasts predict. As Anjana Pasricha from New Delhi reports, India might be bucking the global trend of slowing growth.
The U.S.-Africa summit kicked off Tuesday in the nation’s capital with a full agenda. Topics ranged from climate adaptation and energy transition to peace, security and governance. A special forum highlighted African youth and the role of the diaspora. VOA’s Mariama Diallo attended the summit and has this report.
Palestinian Christians in the West Bank are preparing to celebrate Christmas. And while their tourism economy has mostly recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christians say they worry about ongoing emigration from the West Bank. They fear that their Christian communities and traditions could eventually disappear. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Beit Sahour in the West Bank. Videographer: Ricki Rosen
Iran is accusing neighboring Azerbaijan of inflaming its large Azeri ethnic minority at a time of anti-government protests against rulers in Tehran. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul that Turkey is publicly backing Azerbaijan over the tensions, holding joint military exercises.
Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals typically go through a process of choosing a new name to reflect their gender identity. But how does one decide? VOA’s Tina Trinh met a 19-year-old who created an app to help.
Fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military and rebels has since March displaced nearly 400,000 people, with most IDP camps in Nyiragongo territory, where health centers are struggling to cope. Ruth Omar Esther visited a medical center in Nyiragongo and has this report.
On the 50th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 17 mission – the last to land astronauts to the lunar surface – the agency's Artemis 1 Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, ending a 26-day test flight of NASA's next generation system designed to take people back to the moon. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more. Videographer: Kane Farabaugh, Adam Greenbaum Produced by: Kane Farabaugh
Environmental groups say Chinese boats are decimating West Africa's fish stocks and fishing communities in the Gulf of Guinea. Gulf of Guinea nations this year banded together to crack down on illegal fishing. Henry Wilkins reports from Grand Popo, Benin.
An international price cap on Russian oil has inadvertently caused a logjam of supertankers outside Istanbul as Ankara imposes new regulations despite Western pressure. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Many young Ukrainians who have fled the war and were separated from their families, still live with uncertainty about their futures. Sixteen-year-old Diana Kryvorotko found safety with a couple in Germany but is still not sure when she will see her mother again. Khrystyna Shevchenko has the story.
One of the challenges of fighting climate change is balancing the need to shift to cleaner sources of energy in the future with the need to keep the lights on in the here and now. It’s no different for Indonesia, with its rapidly growing economy, as VOA's Yuni Salim explains in this report narrated by Nova Poerwadi.
With girls across Afghanistan denied access to schools, a radio station in Khost province has stepped in to broadcast literary programs. VOA’s Shaista Lami has the story. Roshan Noorzai contributed.
Officials in Washington are continuing to react after the United States and Russia last week finalized a prisoner swap exchanging WNBA standout Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout. Griner spent nearly 300 days behind bars for cannabis possession while Bout served more than 14 years after funneling weapons to some of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
This month, the Taliban acting minister of higher education in Afghanistan announced some changes to the country's education policy. Former teachers are criticizing the changes, saying Afghanistan’s educational legacy is being damaged. VOA’s Ahmad Shikib has more in this report narrated by Shaista Lami.
The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit kicks off Tuesday in Washington, where President Joe Biden will host about 50 African leaders, their delegations and Africans in the private sector and diaspora communities in the United States. VOA Correspondent Mariama Diallo sat down with the dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Washington.Camera: Hakim Shammo and Rob Purcell
Turkey is hosting millions of Syrian refugees. Amid rampant inflation and an economic crisis, though, political rhetoric is turning against them, and there are widespread reports of physical and verbal attacks. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Turkey wants to send more refugees back to Syria, a country still ravaged by civil war.Camera: Memet Aksakal
America's diversity as a nation is reflected in its music. As a way to celebrate that legacy, the Smithsonian Museum of American History recently honored four artists who represent the broad American soundscape. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Artyom Kokhan
After nearly three months of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September, the Iranian government is now reviewing a law requiring women to wear a head covering. As demonstrations around the world continue, VOA spoke to the founder of a new drive to support Iranians pushing for change. As Amy Guttman reports from London, Iran’s diverse cuisine is a critical piece of the campaign. Video: Umberto Aguiar
The Russian invasion changed the lives of most Ukrainians in ways they could have never imagined. But amidst the chaos, the country's soccer clubs have continued playing and that's provided some much-needed morale across the country. Melyan Oshchudlyak reports. Videographer and video editor: Yuriy Dankevych
As the Biden administration celebrates the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russian custody, it is under pressure to free other Americans held hostage abroad, including Paul Whelan, detained in Russia since 2018. White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara has the report.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed his Swedish and Finnish counterparts to the State Department on Thursday, with the U.S. in strong support of the two countries' bid to join NATO in response to Russia's war on Ukraine. But despite recent proclamations of NATO unity in standing up to Russia, NATO member Turkey is still blocking Sweden and Finland's accession by not ratifying the required protocols. VOA's senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
German authorities said Thursday more arrests are likely in the alleged far right plot to storm the German parliament and seize power. Police arrested 25 people in dawn raids across the country on Dec. 7, 2022. Henry Ridgwell reports.
After months of delays and setbacks, NASA successfully launched Artemis 1, ushering in a new era of space exploration. VOA's Kane Farabaugh brings you inside the mission to back to the moon and beyond on The Inside Story-Liftoff!
Brittney Griner, the American female basketball star who was held for months in Russian prisons on drug charges, was released Thursday in a prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has the report.
Ukrainian American Yakov Gradinar makes prostheses. So, after Russia’s war on Ukraine began to take its toll, he knew how he could help. Along with a team of specialists that includes American doctors and veterans, he has already assisted nearly two dozen people who lost limbs in the conflict. More are on their way. Elona Voytovych has the story. VOA footage by Valery Shmarko.
Taiwanese chip giant TSMC is building a second U.S. facility in the southwest state of Arizona, highlighting the Biden Administration’s push to bring more of the semiconductor supply chain to the United States. But are there enough trained workers there to meet the demand? Michelle Quinn has our story from Arizona, where they are ramping up training for workers and students at all levels. Videographer: Levi Stallings
One of the biggest challenges for Ukrainian refugees who end up in the US is finding a job. But one Ukrainian business in Philadelphia is doing what it can to help newcomers. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Pavlo Terekhov
Blank pieces of paper have become a symbol of protest for many people demonstrating on the streets of China and the U.S. in recent days. VOA's Elizabeth Lee explains. Calla Yu and Austin Ao contributed to this report. Videographer: Genia Dulot.
U.S. President Joe Biden was in Arizona Tuesday promoting investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. He was joined by officials from the Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC, which says it is tripling its Arizona investment. VOA correspondent Michelle Quinn has our story.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Senator Jim Risch discuss war aid, weapons and what’s at stake for democracies worldwide
Aid groups say measles and cholera outbreaks at Kenya's congested Dadaab refugee camp have killed at least five people and sickened more than 400. The outbreaks come as thousands of Somalis have been arriving at the camp this year to escape record drought back home, stretching camp resources. Juma Majanga reports from Dadaab refugee camp in northeast Kenya.
More and more, people are installing video doorbells and surveillance cameras in and around their homes to protect against unwanted intruders. But while many consumers feel the devices provide some peace of mind, some observers are concerned that they trigger personal biases toward those captured on camera. VOA’s Julie Taboh has this report. Michelle Quinn contributed to this report.
According to the U.S. census, there are over a million Americans of Ukrainian descent. They are a diverse group, but Russia’s war on Ukraine has brought many of them together. Iryna Matviichuk visited one small group in Indiana, in this story narrated by Anna Rice.
Cyril Ramaphosa is not South Africa's first president or leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party to be dogged by allegations of corruption. While graft claims do not surprise most South Africans, analysts say it is taking a toll on the ANC's popularity. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg, South Africa.
The World Cup has brought attention to Qatar’s record on women’s rights. While it surpasses that of most Gulf nations, women’s football remains undeveloped - something that has caught the attention of female athletes - including a group of players in Spain. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Alfonso Beato in Barcelona.
Scattered among the Ukrainians fighting the Russians are non-Ukrainians inspired by the country's struggle. VOA's Anna Kosstutschenko met two of them.Camera and produced by Paviel Syhodolskiy
Western powers have labeled Russia’s ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine as barbaric. With the cold of winter setting in, the Kremlin appears to be increasing attacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure. Western powers looked to fight back on Russian oil exports, but Moscow has rejected those efforts. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
An increase in threats and violence directed at Colombia’s journalists is creating fear in the country’s media community, analysts say. Nicholl Sandoval has more from Bogota, Colombia, in this report narrated by VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit. Camera: Federico Buelvas.
Joe Biden goes to Southeast Asia to assert US presence and power as a hedge to China’s growing influence in the region. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara guides you through his trip and explains what's at stake on The Inside Story-Biden's Road to Bali.
The U.N. said this month that the world's population reached 8 billion people, and more than half of the population growth up to 2050 would come from eight countries, five of them in Africa. In that time span, Nigeria is expected to double its population to 400 million people to become the world's third most populous nation. Experts warn that without proper planning, such growth would be unsustainable, as Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria. Videographer: Emeka Gibson
VOA White House correspondent Paris Huang spoke with John Kirby, National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, on Dec. 2, 2022, about protests in China, the Chinese military, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Russian war in Ukraine
VOA News Center TV reporter Julie Taboh spoke with Sara Minkara, special adviser for international disability rights at the State Department, in advance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday. The interview focused on U.S. efforts to advance global human rights for persons with disabilities through the use of diplomacy.
The United States capital, Washington, has one of the oldest continuously operating seafood markets in the country. It is a source of employment and food for the city and its growing Hispanic community. For VOA News, Carolina Valladares has the story. Videographer: Carolina Valladares Video editor: Cristina Caicedo Smit
A special court could be set up to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin, his ministers and top generals for the crime of aggression, following the invasion of Ukraine. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Seven-year-old Lily Manson, who is from the US state of Illinois, learned about Russia’s war on Ukraine and decided she wanted to help. And with a lot of help, this little girl is making a big difference. Iryna Matviicuk has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Generation Z is the name given to people born between 1997 and 2012, and the oldest of them are well into adulthood. But for many, the traditional signs of adulthood — a steady job and home ownership — aren't yet part of the plan. Karina Bafradzhian has the story.
India is increasing the pace of green energy projects to cut carbon emissions, but coal use has also been rising this year. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, that could set back efforts to reach India’s target net zero carbon emissions by 2070 seen as critical to deal with global climate change.
Mohammad Mehmet Ali lost his mother and four siblings in an apartment fire on Nov. 24 in China. Since then, he has been protesting China’s response to the incident. In an interview with VOA, he accused authorities of not putting out the fire, which spread in a building occupied mostly by Uyghurs, a Turkic minority ethnic group. VOA’s Umut Colak has filed this story from Istanbul, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.Camera: Umut Colak
Chinese students in the U.S. have been attending rallies across the nation this week in support of protests throughout China against Beijing’s “zero-COVID” policy. The mass demonstrations in China are the first since Tiananmen Square in 1989. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee reports. VOA Mandarin Service video journalists Fang Bing and Jiu Dao in New York and Wang Ping in Washington contributed to this report.Camera: Genia Dulot Video editor: Elizabeth Lee
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed that they would never pressure Ukraine to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, saying the US and France stand as united as ever with their NATO allies against Moscow's invasion. VOA's senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
In the highly conservative country of Pakistan, AIDS patients often face discrimination that keeps them from disclosing their diagnosis. Hundreds of HIV cases reported in Sindh Province in 2019 included children. That region was recently devastated by floods, making access to health care for HIV patients even more difficult. VOA’s Sidra Dar reports from Sindh Province, in this report narrated by Asadullah Khalid.Camera: Muhammad Khalil
Democrats control the U.S. Senate by a slim margin. But the final balance of power will be decided in the state of Georgia on December 6, when voters choose between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker. VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
The Russian-American Science Association's annual conference was held November 18-20 in Los Angeles, California. The event had a different tone this year because of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian
NASA’s uber-expensive test dummy moon mission exceeds expectations. Plus, a lunar flashlight’s frosty mission, and a state visit to NASA headquarters. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
Forty kilometers from the Russian border, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has taken the brunt of a Russian barrage that started on February 24th. Once in ruins, the city of Kharkiv has been rebuilding since Ukrainian forces retook the Kharkiv region two months ago, and it now serves as a symbol of Ukrainians’ will to survive. For VOA, Anna Chernikova, in Kyiv, has the story. Stephen Boitano contributed to this report from Kharkiv. Camera: Stephen Boitano; Eugene Shynkar. Contributor: Stephen Boitano in Kharkiv
In October, Zimbabwe became to first African country to approve the use of the injectable HIV prevention drug known as cabotegravir. As Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe, many are eager for the drug to become available. Videography by Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Drought in the Horn of Africa is worsening hunger across the region, including in Kenya, where authorities say nearly a million children are acutely malnourished. The failure of a fifth rainy season in a row has authorities and aid groups scrambling to prevent famine. Ahmed Hussein reports from Wajir county in northern Kenya.
The pace of China’s accelerating nuclear expansion could enable Beijing to field a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads by 2035. That’s according to the Pentagon’s annual “China Military Power” report to Congress that was released Tuesday. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has the details.
The United States is pushing to regain its position as a center for semiconductor manufacturing and research as part of a Biden administration plan to make the nation less reliant on supply chains in Asia. VOA’s Michelle Quinn reports from the Southwest state of Arizona on competition for billions of dollars in federal funding to bolster domestic chip manufacturing. Additional videographer: Levi Stallings
In South Africa, which has the world’s largest HIV-positive population, authorities say girls and young women are now the most at-risk demographic with many having resorted to transactional sex to pay the bills during COVID pandemic lockdowns. Ahead of World Aids Day on Dec. 1, VOA spoke to a former sex worker and visited a clinic that treats adolescent girls and others with HIV. Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg, South Africa, on efforts to halt the spread. Camera: Zaheer Cassim
After playing an outsized role during the nearly two-decade-long U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, Pakistan was not included in the Biden administration’s national security strategy this year. Sarah Zaman looks at how U.S.-Pakistan ties evolved in 2022 and the impact of U.S-China competition on stability in South Asia.
Lebanon’s beleaguered banks have been seeing a spike of armed holdups by desperate and angry depositors who try to get their money back after their deposits were frozen. The armed holdups are the latest consequence of Lebanon’s imploding economic conditions. For VOA, Nicole Di Ilio has more from Beirut.
While fans from around the world revel at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, hundreds of children in the war-torn region of Idlib, Syria, compete in the Camps World Cup, a football tournament featuring players who are growing up in displacement camps or as child laborers. Mouneb Taim reports from Idlib, Syria, with Heather Murdock in Istanbul.
Eleven-year-old Valeria Yezhova, a checkers world champion in Ukraine, is one of many Ukrainian children who had to evacuate with her family when Russian forces started the full-scale invasion last February. Now, she has returned to her home and become an inspiration for millions of children. From Kyiv, Anna Chernikova has her story. Camera: Eugene Shynkar
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a major aid package to help Ukraine deal with electrical systems damaged in Russian attacks, as Kyiv braces for another major air assault. The announcement came on the sidelines of NATO foreign ministers meeting in Romania focused on helping Ukrainians survive the winter. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Breakdancing is breaking new ground with the sport’s inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and scores of women are entering the traditionally male-dominated activity. Aron Ranen has the story from New York City.
The World Food Program’s chief economist tells VOA that developed and developing countries depend on fertilizer for half of their food production
Record drought and hunger in Somalia are driving thousands to flee to neighboring Kenya for help. Relief groups say the influx of refugees at Kenya's Dadaab camp is stretching the already overcrowded camp's resources. Juma Majanga reports from the refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya.
Ajmal Zazai, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover, now runs a store in San Antonio, Texas, selling traditional Afghan clothes and carpets For VOA, Zabiullah Ghazi has the story, narrated by Nazrana Yousufzai. Roshan Noorzai contributed.
Hurricane survivors in Florida and Puerto Rico are receiving cash aid through a method that first helped people in Togo during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to help target aid to the neediest people. VOA's Steve Baragona explains. Camera: Amen Assignon
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italy's newly elected far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appear to be finding unlikely common ground on issues relating to Africa and migration. The relationship with Meloni is the latest in a list of strong partnerships that Erdogan has been working to build with European far-right leaders. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
The White House is walking a fine line with China, its greatest competitor, by openly expressing support for peaceful protests popping up around the massive country. But administration officials are weighing their words carefully about the strict "zero-COVID" policies behind the protests. VOA's Anita Powell reports from the White House. Natalie Liu contributed to this report.
The United Nations says only 35 percent of students in Africa attain minimum competency in reading and just 22 percent in mathematics by the end of primary school. In Rwanda, a group is creating comic books, games and animations based on Rwandan characters and traditions to help improve child literacy. Senanu Tord reports from Nyamirambo, Rwanda.
After the Ukrainian city of Kherson was liberated in mid-November, the world saw video footage of happy civilians welcoming Ukrainian soldiers. However, some journalists who entered the city before government officials ended up losing their media accreditation. Oleksii Kovalenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Oleksii Osyka
In northern Kenya, the government and aid groups have launched a project teaching computer coding to herders so they can find more sustainable jobs. But not everyone supports education that could end their traditional way of life, as Victoria Amunga reports from Isiolo Kenya. Camera: Jimmy Makhulo
An exhibition in Turkey's southeastern city of Diyarbakir gives viewers an in-depth look at local periodicals and other publications that are more than a century old. VOA's Mahmut Bozarslan has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Videographer: Mahmut Bozarslan
The Biden administration is seeking $37 billion in aid for Ukraine in the coming weeks before the new Congress convenes in January. Michelle Quinn reports.
According to military monitors, Belarus’ authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, is allowing up to 10,000 newly mobilized Russian troops to train in his country and sending Moscow at least 211 pieces of heavy military equipment, including trucks and tanks. Critics, such as exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, talk to VOA about how Lukashenko is trying to help Russia’s battered military. Igor Tsikhanenka has more.
The International Energy Agency says 13% of cars sold worldwide this year will be electric. Mike O’Sullivan reports from Los Angeles that consumer demand for electric vehicles is increasing as the industry overcomes technical hurdles.
In the past three years, Hong Kong has witnessed the biggest wave of residents leaving the former British colony since it returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. One man shared with VOA’s Cindy Sui the difficulties of leaving behind not only his beloved Hong Kong but his possessions.
After this month's G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara spoke with the country's finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, in Jakarta about the geopolitical tensions of hosting the summit. Cameras: Ahadian Utama, Triyogha Pujalaksana.
A circle of drummers plays on weekends in New York’s Central Park to bring some African rhythm to the city and teach others how to do the same. Ginny Niwa reports
The word "zigrii" means "warm up" in Ukrainian. And the Zigrii volunteer movement is a collection of people knitting warm clothes for Ukrainian soldiers. Their slogan is “Mom, I’m wearing a hat.” Lesia Bakalets has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Produced by Andrey Degtyarev
Abalone has been a luxury food in China since imperial times. Poachers are feeding the country’s appetite for the pricy little mollusk resulting in a drop in the abalone population in South Africa's once-large natural reserves. Reporter Kate Bartlett visited one abalone aquaculture farm in Hermanus, South Africa with more. Camera: Gianluigi Guercia
More than three years since a devastating fire burned parts of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, reconstruction is underway, and organizations from the United States are helping. Karina Bafradzhian has the story.
In recent years, the trend of "Friendsgiving" has been taking off in the U.S. In this version of Thanksgiving, people who can’t spend the day surrounded by their biological families instead spend the holiday with friends. Genia Dulot reports.
Searchers in Indonesia on Wednesday rescued a 5-year-old boy who was trapped for two days under the rubble of his house in Nagrak Village, Cianjur. The collapse was caused by an earthquake Monday that killed at least 271 people. Courtesy: BASARNAS/Indonesian SAR Agency
Refugees from around the world who resettled in the Washington area got together to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in the United States. VOA’s Shahnaz Nafees has the story.
As Turkey has stepped up its strikes against Kurdish forces in northeast Syria, civilians in the region are worried about a possible large-scale land operation. VOA’s Zana Omer has more in this story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, the businessman and entertainment figure was seen as a disruptor. Facing defeat in his bid for re-election in 2020, he stressed election denialism. Now, as he eyes 2024, he’s touting his first-term record and policy plans. VOA’s Anita Powell reports.
Turkey’s president says his nation’s military will begin a land operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria ‘at the most convenient time.’ Kurdish separatists have been fighting a decades-long insurgency. There have been global calls for restraint, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
Despite the country's sizable wheat crop, Zimbabwe’s government says the number of people facing food insecurity in the country is growing fast. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Buhera, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has shattered the lives and homes of millions of people, while also forcing many to adapt and innovate to cope with the endless devastation of constant attacks. For VOA, reporter Anna Chernikova in Kyiv has the story of one family business that is not only surviving but thriving while turning tragedy into hope. Camera: Eugene Shynkar
Victims of South Africa’s racially oppressive apartheid regime have been camping outside the country’s constitutional court, demanding reparations promised to them that they say were never delivered. Nearly three decades since the ruling African National Congress freed the country from apartheid, victims say the party has failed to uphold justice. Linda Givetash reports from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thousands of migrant workers died in Qatar building the stadiums for the 2022 World Cup. VOA's Heather Murdock takes you to Nepal where families are asking "Why is no one taking responsibility?" on The Inside Story: Cause of Death, Migrant Workers & the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Although there are no official figures, authorities in Costa Rica estimate thousands of Venezuelan migrants could be stranded in the Central American country. For VOA News, Donaldo Hernández has the story, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit.
Camera: Donaldo Hernández
Gold mining in Senegal plays a key role in the country’s economy, but the chemicals used for processing are harming the environment and the health of the miners. Women make up half the miners and often carry their children with them, causing both to suffer the health consequences. Annika Hammerschlag reports from Kedougou, Senegal.
Sumo, traditional Japanese wrestling, is attracting fans and participants in the United States. From Los Angeles, Mike O’Sullivan reports that sumo’s appeal also extends beyond the heavyweights who dominate the professional sport.
Britain’s economy will shrink by 0.4 per cent in 2023, more than any other in the G-7 group of the world’s richest nations, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, analysts say global economic pressures have been compounded by recent political chaos.
The Afghan actor Ali Danish Bakhtyari, who played the role of an orphan in the 2007 film "The Kite Runner,” has fled the Taliban rule in his home country twice: first in the late 1990s, and then in 2021, when the United States withdrew its forces from Afghanistan. Keith Kocinski has the story from New York.
Alexander Boyce thought he was born to make music. But somewhere along the way the Dominican born Boyce turned to painting. And that has made all the difference. Ginny Niwa reports for VOA.
A few weeks ago, Lebanon detected its first cases of cholera in 30 years. The highly contagious disease has since spread and officials in the cash-strapped country fear there is a high risk of it becoming endemic if they are unable to tackle the root causes of the outbreak. Jacob Russell reports from the town of Bebnine, in northern Lebanon.
As the 2022 FIFA World Cup games play out in Qatar, VOA reports on the families of some of the thousands of migrant workers who died building Cup-related facilities over the past decade. They say they will never recover. VOA’s Heather Murdock has more from Dhanusha, Nepal. Camera: Yan Boechat
With cars becoming smarter, some researchers say it’s time for road infrastructure — traffic lights, highway signs and the roads themselves — to communicate with drivers. Genia Dulot has the story from Irvine, California.
In the U.S., the 2022 holiday shopping season officially begins on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving Day. VOA’s Chris Casquejo looks at spending expectations for inflation-battered shoppers.
UNICEF's West Africa director says the organization is attempting to prevent Burkina Faso’s conflict with jihadist groups from spreading to coastal countries such as Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. One-fifth of schools in the country have been closed because of the violence. Henry Wilkins reports from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Camera: Henry Wilkins, with additional video by Issa Napon.
Istanbul’s historic and popular Istiklal Avenue is still recovering from a bomb attack on November 13. VOA’s Turkish service reports from Istanbul in this story narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.
One of the world's largest auto shows is underway in Los Angeles. The headline this year is high tech and electric vehicles. Veronica Villafañe has a sneak preview and more on this growing industry.
The suspect in a shooting at a gay club in Colorado that killed five and injured 18 on Saturday is being held on preliminary murder and hate crime charges, according to media reports citing court records. VOA’s Laurel Bowman has our story.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Watch accuses Turkish authorities of carrying out mass deportations of Afghan refugees, including those most at risk. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
It’s been a month since Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, put residents on water rations after a drop in the city’s main water source, the Ruvu River. Authorities say the water supply problem is beyond their control, but critics see it as a failure to manage resources. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Camera: Rajabu Hassan.
Russia and Myanmar are the only two states to have used anti-personnel mines this year, according to the latest annual report from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Neither country is among the 164 states that are party to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Every year, thousands of people are killed or maimed by mines — many of them children, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
The Hollywood film "The Woman King" has received great praise for its portrayal of the fierce female warriors of Benin's 1800s Kingdom of Dahomey. But where the kingdom once existed, the West African nation has a modern woman queen, who is still fighting for women's rights. Henry Wilkins reports from Abomey, Benin. Camera: Henry Wilkins Produced by: Jon Spier
"Mariupol,” a November photo exhibit in New York City captured scenes of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The show included award-winning images and videos captured by the last journalists to leave the besieged city. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera - Vladimir Badikov. Video editing - Dmitrii Vershinin.
With the U.S. midterm elections over, the focus shifts to the 2024 presidential race. VOA’s Michelle Quinn reports.
Russian tanks lumbered into Kherson on the first day of the war last February. Its liberation this week was a significant victory for Ukrainian forces. But nearly nine months of war have had a devastating effect on this region. Yelyzaveta Krotyk has more in this report narrated by Anna Rice.
From the APEC summit in Bangkok, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced that San Francisco will be the host city for next year’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. She also met briefly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and repeated the message of maintaining open lines of communication. VOA’s White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has been covering Harris and brings this report from Bangkok.
The Polish town of Przewodow, just five kilometers from the Ukrainian border, drew the world's attention this week when an errant missile strike raised fears that NATO could be drawn into a war with Russia. Western analysts now believe the blast that killed two Polish men was from a Ukrainian missile fired in self-defense against a massive Russian aerial assault. Kyiv has denied firing the missile. But the incident was a reminder of how easily the war could spread. From Przewodow, Myroslava Gongadze has more.
Officials stand by a court filing recommending Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman be considered immune from prosecution in a lawsuit over his role in the killing of U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The head of the Ukrainian investigative outlet Ukrainska Pravda is among the journalists recognized for their bravery in 2022 with an International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Ihar Tsikhanenka has more for VOA from New York City. Camera: Myroslava Gongadze, Alfonso Beato, Pavlo Terekhov.
Kharkiv actor Anton Zhelyakov has been supporting older Ukrainians during the war. With help from an unlikely source, Zhelyakov provides about 250 people with food and medicine at least twice a month. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Videographer and video editor: Paviel Syhodolskiy
The largest dam removal in US history has received final federal approval in a major victory for environmentalists and Native American communities. The four dams along the border of California and Oregon have been blamed for the decline of salmon and other species. Matt Dibble reports.
Africa's biggest cotton exporter, Benin, has built an industrial park to move the country away from raw exports to finished products. Environmental activists say local manufacturing will also cut down on emissions from shipping that contribute to climate change. Henry Wilkins reports from Djigbé, Benin. Camera: Henry Wilkins Video Editor: Henry Wilkins
U.S. midterm elections exposed political fault lines over the economy, abortion, and American democracy. See what drove the results on The Inside Story-Midterm Elections 2022.
A court in the Netherlands convicted three men of mass murder Thursday for their roles in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which crashed in eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298. Henry Ridgwell reports.
Republicans won the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives this week and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek a leadership position in the new Democratic minority – two of the many changes coming to the new Congress in January. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Malawi is struggling to contain one of the worst cholera outbreaks in years. It has spread nationwide, killing more than 250 people and infecting more than 8,000. Authorities and aid groups have stepped up cholera vaccination and hygiene campaigns, as Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre, Malawi.
NASA once again makes moonshot history. Plus, the space agency’s astronauts take a stroll, and a piece of tragic space history found by accident. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
A woman in Doha, Qatar is reportedly the first female to run a business in the city’s prominent Souq Waqif market. Her life story is one of perseverance and broken barriers. VOA reporter Celia Mendoza has more from Doha. Camera: Nelson Binoles
At the U.N. climate conference in Egypt, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared plans to fight the destruction of the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, before it’s too late to turn back the clock on deforestation. Indigenous people living in the Amazon say in recent years they have been fighting alone, and losing. VOA’s Heather Murdock reports from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with Yan Boechat in the Amazon region of Brazil. VOA footage by Yan Boechat and Walid Ghariani.
US police are alarmed at the emergence of tiny devices that easily turn some handguns into fully automatic machine guns. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains how illegal “switches” are causing death and worry across America
The location of this year’s G-20 Summit was Bali, Indonesia, a resort island dubbed the Island of the Gods, and a longtime destination for sun and sand worshippers. The COVID pandemic hit the tourist destination hard, but things may be looking up again. VOA’s Ahadian Utama explains. Camera - Ahadian Utama and Nurhadi Sucahyo.
For ten years, Ivory Coast in West Africa has been experiencing an unprecedented gold rush. And while it is a quickly expanding market for this historically agriculture-based nation, it is also causing a surge of illegal mining. For VOA, Yassin Ciyow has more from Ivory Coast. Camera: Thomas Diego Badia
As the Kremlin escalates its war on Ukraine and tightens its clampdown on any domestic opposition to the invasion, the world of Russian arts and culture, historically opposed to violence and war, descends into pessimism. Marcus Harton narrates this report from VOA's Moscow bureau.
As climate change has challenged food security, some African countries that have relied on grain imports, like Senegal, are looking to indigenous grains like fonio that thrive in drier soil. Senegal celebrated an annual "day of fonio" to urge increased production of the nutritious grain. Annika Hammerschlag reports from Kedougou, Senegal
The Pentagon hosted the seventh Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting Wednesday for Ukraine's allies to virtually collaborate on their support of Ukraine's military, while the top general reaffirmed that winter could be ideal for political negotiations. He also warned that China would be playing a 'very dangerous game' should it try to take Taiwan by force. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb has the details.
With Twitter’s human rights team eliminated, legal experts voice alarm about what it could mean for users around the world. Tina Trinh reports. Camera: Daniel Brody.
For almost two decades the Chinese government has been exercising its soft power through “Confucius Institutes” at universities around the globe. While universities in the U.S. and other Western countries have been closing these institutes in recent years, the trend is reversed in African universities where more Confucius Institutes are opening their doors. Kate Bartlett reports from Cape Town, South Africa. Camera and video editing by Gianluigi Guercia.
After mechanical issues and inclement weather forced a series of delays, NASA’s Artemis 1 mission to the moon finally took off from Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday morning. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh has more from Florida. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
NATO and G-7 leaders met for an emergency meeting Wednesday on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, to discuss the explosion in eastern Poland. There were concerns the incident marked a significant escalation in Moscow's war on Ukraine. However, both Poland and NATO say the explosion was not caused by Russian attack. VOA's White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report from Bali.
Since the start of the war, in Ukraine, the country's railway has come to play a crucial role in transporting citizens and visiting European leaders. Ani Chkhikvadze has the story, narrated by Anna Rice
Qatar is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the 2022 World Cup and many local businesses are eager to receive them. For many tourists, it’s a chance to see this part of the world for the first time. VOA News reporter Celia Mendoza has the story from Doha, Qatar. Camera: Celia Mendoza, Nelson Biñoles
The World Health Organization says half the world will live in water-stressed areas — or places with insufficient supplies of clean water — by 2025 as officials at the U.N. Climate conference in Egypt call for emergency aid. At a protest in a dried-up area of the ancient marshlands of southern Iraq, families in what is commonly known as the Cradle of Civilization say they have already been driven from their homes for lack of water. For VOA, Heather Murdock reports in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt with Halan Akoiy in Dhi Qar, Iraq.
Indonesia is hosting the highly anticipated summit of the Group of 20 major economies this week in Bali. For some local business owners, it is an opportunity to promote their products to new customers and raise awareness about their brands. Devianti Faridz has more from Bali. Videographer: David Andreas
U.S. officials at the Pentagon and the State Department say they are aware of reports that Russian missiles crossed into NATO member Poland, where two people were killed, but they cannot confirm the reports and are working with Poland to determine exactly what happened. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
The results of the 2022 midterm elections are firming up. Democrats held their majority in the U.S. Senate, while Republicans are poised to take control of the U.S House of Representatives despite a poorer than expected showing. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Ukraine’s bitter winter is approaching fast – when temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The changing season will likely have a big impact on Ukraine’s war with invading Russian forces, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
Seeking a boost in upcoming elections, the Turkish president wants to show he can help avert rising world food prices. Dorian Jones reports.
Malaysian voters go to the polls November 19th. It’s a highly competitive race in a country that has not had political stability for several years. Dave Grunebaum gives us a preview.
Thousands of workers died during Qatar 2022 World Cup-related construction, far more than in the run up to every other World Cup or Olympic Games in the past 30 years combined. This short documentary mixes firsthand accounts from families of the deceased in Nepal, explaining how so great a tragedy surrounds so celebrated an event- with no governments, organizations or companies taking responsibility.
As military and civilian drones become increasingly popular, there are growing concerns about the threats some of them may pose over places like airports, prisons and electrical grids. VOA’s Julie Taboh reports on a company that has developed counter-drone technology that can identify and mitigate threats from malicious drones. Camera: Adam Greenbaum
Nigeria's plan to replace its naira currency with new designs to reduce excess cash and to fight counterfeiting, inflation and crime has led to a rush on U.S. dollars. Analysts say the timing — just ahead of February's election and as the economy struggles — could undermine confidence in Africa's largest economy. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria. Camera: Emeka Gibson
The Israeli so-called Law of Return says that anyone with one Jewish grandparent can immigrate to Israel and receive Israeli citizenship. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to draft 300,000 men to fight in the war against Ukraine has prompted thousands of Russians to move to Israel, with tens of thousands of others on the way. Linda Gradstein reports from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. VOA footage by Ricki Rosen.
U.S. President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Monday, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Bali, hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara is traveling with the president and brings this report.
All extraditions to China from Europe could be blocked after a ruling by European judges. As Henry Ridgwell reports, human rights campaigners describe it as a landmark judgment with global ramifications. Videographer: Henry Ridgwell
Muslim-majority countries are generally supportive of persecuted Muslims around the world. But some say China is stifling attempts to talk about its alleged abuse of one Muslim minority group. VOA’s Yuni Salim explains in this report narrated by Nova Poerwadi
California is home to the largest Arab American community in the United States. That growing economic and political visibility is evident in Southern California's newly designated "Little Arabia" neighborhood. For VOA, Genia Dulot takes us there. Videographer and producer: Genia Dulot
Malaysians go to the polls to vote in the nation’s general elections on November 19. Young people are expected to have the biggest impact on the election outcome, and candidates are busy trying to win their support. Dave Grunebaum has more
So far this year, at least 94 Venezuelan radio stations have been closed due to lack of licensing, according to the state communications regulator. Journalists and opposition leaders see this as a way of silencing independent information in the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections. For VOA News, Alvaro Algarra has the story from Caracas, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit
US President Joe Biden is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for meetings with leaders at the US-ASEAN and East Asia summits, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, summit host and the region’s longest-ruling leader. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report from Phnom Penh.
U.S. President Joe Biden heads to a whirlwind week of diplomacy with Southeast Asian leaders amid an intensifying rivalry with China and Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The United States is a nation of immigrants and full of stories of people who arrived with nothing and achieved their dreams. Kimmy Duong, a Vietnamese refugee who came to the U.S. is the 1970s, has one of those stories and now wants to give back to her adopted country, which gave her so much. VOA’s Dong Hai reports.
"Mariupol. Unlost Hope" is a new documentary focusing on the war in Ukraine. It premiered in the U.S. in early November and shows the war through the eyes of ordinary people who managed to survive. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Max Avloshenko, Dmitrii Vershinin, Vladimir Badikov.
Ties between the two Koreas are at their worst point in years, as the North launches a record number of missiles and the South increases military drills. VOA’s William Gallo traveled to a tiny Yeonpyeong Island near North Korea and spoke with residents who fear a return to hostilities. VOA footage by Kim Hyungjin, William Gallo. Lee Juhyun contributed.
This week, the United States marks Veterans Day. Among those honored is a group of World War II veterans of Chinese descent. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports that this year, they have something very special to celebrate.
The U.S. Air Force chief of staff is warning that the U.S. military must change if it wants to stay ahead of China and Russia. The general sat down with VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb this week to discuss how the Air Force is adapting to the changing threat environment around the globe.
President Joe Biden is headed to Egypt for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), where he will discuss US climate crisis strategies. But environmental campaigners say wealthy nations need to focus on meeting their $100 billion pledge to cover climate change losses. Anita Powell reports.
Playwriting and theater production have opened a new world for a California man who spent 17 years in prison. Mike O’Sullivan reports on an arts program that teaches creative skills to former prisoners seeking new lives.
A thread runs from Russia’s months-long war on Ukraine, the weeks of protests in Iran, and what seems to be the daily launches of missile tests by North Korea. Follow where that thread leads on The Inside Story-Power & Protests.
The moon gave us a show we won’t again see for another three years. Plus, the U.K. is set for its first satellite launch, and NASA’s Artemis program is poised for another try. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
Throughout the war in Ukraine, the nation of Belarus, under the authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko, has acted as a Russian ally. That relationship has led to problems for many Belarusians outside of the country. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Videographer: Sandzhar Khamidov
A United Nations report finds that opium cultivation in Afghanistan increased 32% over the previous year despite a Taliban ban on cultivation of all narcotics in April. For Voice of America, Ibrahim Momand has this report from Kabul, narrated by Anne Ball.
Ukraine’s electric power supply system has suffered greatly from Russia’s shelling. When there is electricity, Ukrainians are encouraged to use it sparingly. But one school in the city of Khmelnytskyi operates no matter what. Tetiana Kukurika visited the school. Anna Rice narrates her story. Camera: Sergiy Rybchynski, Production: Volodymyr Balinsky
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks with VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze in Warsaw about her recent visit to Ukraine and her meeting with the nation's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A group of American prosthetists, orthopedists and technicians are in Ukraine helping people who have been waiting months for prostheses receive them sooner. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has this report. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych.
How did candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump fare in the U.S. midterm elections? As vote counting continued Wednesday, Mike O’Sullivan reports, the results were mixed.
The first North American tour of two Belarusian rock legends just ended in the US. For both artists this tour was about more than just making music. Angelina Bagdasaryan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
The U.S. midterm elections could have a significant impact on Ukraine, where U.S. support is invaluable in the war effort. VOA’s Myroslava Gongadze has more from Ukrainian citizens and experts on the US vote. Contributor: Anna Chernikova, Camera: Daniil Batushchak
Ahead of the COP27 climate talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh next week, there are concerns that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reversed progress on tackling climate change. But as Henry Ridgwell reports, some say the war could have a positive impact in the longer term
In Turkey, the right of women to wear religious headscarves has once again become the subject of political debate. With elections less than a year away, the leaders of the country's main political parties are vowing to legally enshrine women’s rights to wear religious attire, an issue that for decades was the center of a bitter political struggle. For VOA, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul
According to the U.S. census, the number of Asian Americans grew by 39% between 2010 and 2020, making them an important political block in many places. “Asian Americans” includes people from dozens of countries based on their experience as immigrants. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee explores the differing political views of this growing block of voters and the one issue that binds them this November
North Korea fired more than 20 missiles Wednesday, including at least three toward South Korean territory. The missiles triggered alerts on televisions in South Korea and air raid sirens on an island off the coast. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo in Seoul, South Korea
Republican governors of Florida and Texas have been trying to highlight the record number of migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border by sending thousands of people seeking political asylum to Washington, D.C., New York and other places run by Democrats. Aron Ranen reports from New York City on the bused-in arrivals and their possible political impact ahead of November’s midterm elections.
A look at some of the more influential U.S. midterm elections of the past 150 years, all of which led to a change in the party that controlled the House.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of protections for abortion rights has intensified scrutiny of the personal data that technology firms collect. For women who live in states where most abortions are now illegal, their smartphones and devices could be used against them. Tina Trinh reports. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam, Greg Flakus
Small farmers produce about one-third of the world's food. Yet they lack global visibility and face many obstacles getting their crops to larger markets. A new app is helping to change that for some farmers in Africa. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera, production: Adam Greenbaum
Several programs in the United States help people with disabilities enter the workforce. VOA reporter Arzouma Kompaore has this story of how one man found a job – and a sense of self-worth. Videographer and video editor: Arzouma Kompaore
After fleeing Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, two women found find themselves in an unlikely shelter – Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria. Tatiana Vorozhko has the story. VOA footage by Svitlana Koval. Video editing - Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
In the last 20 years, Asians in the U.S. have made up the fastest growing group of eligible voters, and many activists say if they engage in politics, they can be a deciding vote in a close race. But reaching potential voters in the Asian community has been a challenge. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee explains from Houston, Texas
Somali authorities are scrambling to avert famine from a record drought that has affected near eight million Somalis, half the population. The largest city in Somalia's South West state, Baidoa, is bearing the brunt as thousands of families flee starvation in the countryside to displaced camps in the city. Aid groups and authorities are pleading for international help to prevent further loss of life, as Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Baidoa, Somalia.
Brazil’s former leftist leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is making a comeback after defeating incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro in Sunday’s elections. Lula received over 60 million votes, only two million more than Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has yet to recognize the defeat. Reporting for VOA from Sao Paulo, Yan Boechat says Lula will govern Brazil for the third time in the last 20 years.
October’s Turkish energy deal with Libya's Government of National Accord is the latest flashpoint in growing tensions between Turkey and Greece. As Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the effects of the rivalry are spreading in regions of Europe and the Mideast.
Mounds of plastic waste in his hometown prompted one Zimbabwean man to build a shredder that helps turn the trash into useful items. He plans to move the project to the capital, Harare, where authorities have been struggling to deal with plastic waste dumped on the streets. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. VOA footage by Blessing Chigwenhembe
Several dictators are significantly overstating economic growth, according to research which looks at satellite images of countries at night. As Henry Ridgwell reports, economists have long questioned the reliability of data from autocratic regimes – including China.
One of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles has hosted festivities marking the annual Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition meant to honor the memory of loved ones. Organizers say this year’s event, which comes ahead of commemorations this week, was the biggest of its kind in the United States. Genia Dulot visited the cemetery for the lively event and files this report.
Combat Bees is a volunteer group that teaches first aid and combat tactics to soldiers of the Ukrainian territorial defense and volunteer military formations. Anna Kosstutschenko met with members of the group members in the Kyiv region and has this story. Camera, production: Paviel Syhodolskiy
In South Africa the first peace talks between the government of Ethiopia and the leadership of the Tigray region have raised hopes for an end to the nearly two-year-long war. Despite no media access to the talks or to the Tigray region, South Africa's Ethiopian community remains hopeful of a deal to end the deadly conflict. Linda Givetash reports from Johannesburg.
Six weeks after the death of Mahsa Amini sparked protests in Iran, demonstrators turned out over the weekend in cities around the world calling for freedoms in Iran. Svitlana Prystynska reports from the demonstration in Los Angeles. Videographer: Krystyna Zahrebelna
In Jalalabad, Afghanistan, where health workers are trying to vaccinate children to eliminate endemic poliovirus, six-year-old Ismail is partially paralyzed on his left side, due to the disabling disease. His father says it is devastating news for the family. Abu Baker Alizai has the report, narrated by Roshan Noorzai.
As Ukrainian forces inch closer to Kherson, a few of its citizens are opening up about living under an eight-month Russian occupation, and what may happen next as Russia moves newly mobilized recruits to the region. Igor Tsikhanenka has more, with Alex Gendler contributing. Warning: Some of the images in this video are graphic.
Former CIA disguise expert Robert Barron has been making prosthetics for people affected by injury or disease for almost three decades. Karina Bafradzhian talked to Barron about his work.
Pivotal 2022 midterm elections in the United States are just over a week away. The November 8 elections will determine if Democrats maintain their majorities or if Republicans seize power in the House of Representatives and Senate. Several domestic issues -- including the future of reproductive rights -- are on the minds of many voters as VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
More than 150 people were killed during a stampede in a party district in South Korea’s capital, where young people had gathered for Halloween celebrations. More from VOA’s Bill Gallo, who was on the scene. A warning: some of the images in this piece are graphic.
A congressional race in California between two immigrants, one from Pakistan and the other from South Korea, reflects the changing demographics of the American electorate. Mike O’Sullivan reports that abortion and the economy are at the heart of rival messages in the November 8th midterm election.
VOA Connect Episode 250 - We connect with people engaging in meaningful dialogue despite their political differences.
Talking it out: a grassroots organization is trying to help people talk across their political differences and put civility back into U.S. politics.
Producer | Video Editor: Lisa Vohra, Camera: Philip Alexiou
Despite recent changes in the Biden administration's immigration policy and its tightening of border restrictions, Venezuelan migrants who cross into the U.S. illegally continue to turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents. VOA News reporter Jorge Agobian spoke with some of those migrants.
According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, more than 1,000 LGBTQ people are running for local and federal offices around the U.S. this year. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. VOA footage by Aleksandr Bergan.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian journalists who continued to work independently in the country came under significant pressure — so much so that many have been forced to leave. Anush Avetisyan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by David Gogokhia.
A Nigerian robotics engineer has designed a bra she says can save lives by helping to detect breast cancer early. For VOA, Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
The White House says the Biden administration supports the people of Iran and their right to peaceful protests — and that there may be cooperation between Iran and Russia in cracking down on Iranian protesters. VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Counting down to the November 8th deadline to vote in the U.S. midterm elections. Go deep into the issues that make this election one of the most closely watched in American history on The Inside Story-Midterm Elections 2022.
How satellite imagery and artificial intelligence helped the government of Togo deliver COVID-19 relief to its neediest citizens.
The world’s first reusable satellite is set to launch next month. Plus, communication satellites galore, and the U.S. military test-launches weaponry that shatters the speed of sound. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
Brazilians will go to the polls Sunday to vote in what is expected to be the final contest between former president and leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right populist who claims the elections are already rigged in his competitor's favor. Yan Boechat has this report for VOA in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Videographer: Yan Boechat
If opposition Republicans capture both the House and Senate in the November 8 midterm election, the legislative agenda of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, will be derailed. A key open Senate seat in Pennsylvania has been one of the tightest and most closely watched contests of the year. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman reports from Pittsburgh. VOA footage by Daymon Long.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog discussed the Iranian threat during their meeting Wednesday at the White House, including Tehran’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Israel has declined Kyiv’s request to provide air defense systems to protect them from Iranian-supplied drones targeting Ukrainians. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara takes a closer look at why.
The United States’ newest aircraft carrier has set sail on its first deployment around the North Atlantic. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb takes us aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford to show us what its new and improved design might mean against potential foes. Camera: Saqib Islam
Russia has launched its annual nuclear exercise against the backdrop of heightened rhetoric from Moscow hinting at the use of a nuclear weapon against Ukraine. President Joe Biden has warned Moscow that the use of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine would be a “very serious mistake,” as VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian heritage, has become Britain’s first non-white prime minister. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, some in Britain are comparing it to the election of Barack Obama as the first Black U.S. president.
An organization in Ukraine called Kharkiv Help assists civilians leave areas being shelled by Russian forces. Anna Kosstutschenko met with its volunteers, including two from the U.S., in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, about 10 kilometers from the front lines. VOA footage by Paviel Syhodolskiy.
The possibility of Russia launching a nuclear attack in Ukraine or beyond has some Americans on edge. Some are going online to see what that might mean. Anxiety is up, but experts say panic isn’t justified – at least not yet. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.
A national museum in Zimbabwe is displaying the remains of what scientists say is the oldest known dinosaur discovered in Africa. The skeleton was discovered in northern Zimbabwe, and researchers say it walked the Earth roughly 230 million years ago. For VOA, Columbus Mavhunga has more from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
President Joe Biden got his third COVID-19 booster shot Tuesday and urged Americans to do the same before major holidays and winter flu season. But with no more congressional funding coming for COVID relief, where does this leave nations the U.S. vowed to help? Anita Powell reports from the White House. Patsy Widakuswara contributed.
Authorities in Zimbabwe say the death toll from illegal mining is rising, with more than100 killed so far this year — more than double the casualties in 2020. The government has launched a safety campaign aimed at illegal miners, but the struggling economy pushes many people to keep risking their lives underground. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Bubi, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
For journalists in Mexico, verbal assaults and online harassment are on the rise, and women are a main target. But many say the attacks won’t stop them from doing their job. For VOA News, Vicente Calderón has the story, narrated by Cristina Caicedo Smit. Camera: VOA Spanish
As the U.S. military considers China’s military strength in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy is turning to driverless ships to multiply its forces. VOA’s Jessica Stone takes us along for a closer look at this military innovation. Camera: Keith Lane
The State Department has reacted to an Israeli statement on the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in May, saying the U.S. will press Israel to review the rules of engagement of its forces in the West Bank to take steps to mitigate the risk to journalists and other civilians. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
A multimedia exhibition of African American culture in the Western US state of Colorado includes works by an artist who found new direction during the coronavirus pandemic. VOA’s Scott Stearns has the story from Denver.
Liz Truss officially became prime minister of Britain Tuesday, replacing Boris Johnson, who announced his resignation in July. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, Truss is seen as a foreign policy hawk and has pledged a tough line against Russia and China — but she first faces daunting challenges at home.
Augmented reality books add new dimensions to storytelling by including animation and sound. VOA’s Genia Dulot reports from Los Angeles, California.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven Moscow and Beijing closer, according to a new report that warns of the possibility of Russia and China supporting each other in any future conflict. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Cambodian Americans in California are coming together at a traditional night market, showcasing Khmer culture and sharing in recovery from past trauma inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. For VOA, Genia Dulot takes us there.
Camera and produced by: Genia Dulot
Volunteers across Ukraine are doing everything they can to help protect their homeland against Russia. One unique and influential blogger is using his star power to help purchase military equipment for Ukraine. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story. Camera and production: Paviel Syhodolskiy
In El Salvador, climate change is stressing the country's mangrove forests. Some coastal communities are working with nongovernmental organizations to save these important areas that protect the coastline. For VOA News, Claudia Zaldaña visited the area and has the report. Video editor: Cristina Caicedo Smit
Environmentalists in India have long campaigned to preserve forests as the country’s mega-cities push into green spaces on their outskirts. In one such forest in Haryana state near the capital New Delhi, environmentalists are teaching a younger generation why conservation is crucial in a country battling to save its green cover. Anjana Pasricha in New Delhi has a report. Camera: Darshan Singh
In Ethiopia’s Gambella region, a June attack on the capital by the rebel group, the Oromo Liberation Army, has raised fears of more civil war spreading in the country. Reporter Henry Wilkins spoke to local officials and analysts about what’s behind the violence and what it could mean for Ethiopia’s security.
Project Dynamo’s Case Manager Masouda Noorzad interviewed by VOA’s Nilofar Mughal via Skype, Aug. 31, 2022.
Project Dynamo’s Co-Founder Bryan Stern interviewed by VOA’s Nilofar Mughal via Skype, Aug. 31, 2022.
Pakistan is dealing with countrywide floods caused by record rainfall. Experts say the extreme weather has all the signs of global warming. Home to almost 230 million people, Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. VOA’s Sarah Zaman reports the rains have caused misery for many Pakistanis. Camera: Khalil Ahmad and Murtaza Zehri
California and much of the western United States are in the grip of a searing heat wave. Mike O'Sullivan reports from Los Angeles on how communities are coping.
President Joe Biden on Thursday warned that extremist followers of former President Donald Trump pose a serious threat to American democracy; meanwhile, Trump is being investigated for his handling of national defense documents. Experts say the world is watching with interest. VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has international reaction.
VOA Connect Episode 242 - We enter the worlds of two image makers using their craft as a means to truth and knowledge.
We talk to a photojournalist who captures the humanity of people caught up in major events around the globe. Find out how she navigates her own emotions to take photos in a truthful way and the importance of ethics when picking this career path.
Reporter | Camera: Aaron Fedor, Producer: Kathleen McLaughlin, Editor: Kyle Dubiel
Worldwide, coastal saltwater is creeping farther and farther inland, tainting the land and water with enough salt to kill crops. In Asia, saltwater intrusion is making it nearly impossible for some farmers to grow the region's staple food. Elise Cutts has more. Videographer: Sun Narin, Vietnamese Stringer in Vietnam
Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the largest lake in South America and one of the world's oldest. It is coming under increasing threat from oil spills, plastic pollution, and an alga popularly known locally as "verdín," which can suffocate fish. For VOA News, Adriana Nunez Rabascall has the report. Produced by: Cristina Caicedo Smit
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which protected the constitutional right to have an abortion, the issue remains divisive in many U.S. states, where laws are tightening. The abortion issue strikes a nerve among people who've faced the decision. VOA's Laurel Bowman spoke with some of them. Camera: Saqib Islam Produced by: Saqib Islam
New gun regulations went into effect in New York on Thursday. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the state's century-old law that required applicants to demonstrate that they had "proper cause" to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. Since the court’s decision, gun permit applications have risen significantly in New York, raising concerns among city and state officials. Aron Ranen has the story. Camera: Aron Ranen
US President Joe Biden used the word "democracy" dozens of times in an impassioned speech on what he sees as the dangerous junction the US faces because of Trump-backed Republicans who he says pose a threat to American democracy. And Biden made clear who he sees as responsible. VOA's Anita Powell reports from Washington. Video Editor: Barry Unger
Russia this week shut off a major gas pipeline to Germany as Europe and the U.S. accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "weaponizing" energy. And as Henry Ridgwell reports from London, there are growing environmental concerns about an unexplained Russian gas flare close to the Arctic.
NASA’s moon mission suffers another setback. Plus, a look back at a space travel pioneer, and a private spaceflight company continues earning frequent flyer miles. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us The Week in Space.
Belarus has become an accomplice to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Russian troops used it as a launchpad for missile strikes and air raids on Ukraine. In response, Western countries have imposed tough sanctions on Belarus. Maxim Moskalkov reports. Camera: Elena Matusovsky.
Standing by those who helped America in Afghanistan. VOA Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh goes inside the efforts of former US troops to get their Afghan interpreters safely out of the country and to the United States, on The Inside Story: Flight of the Translators.
The death of the late Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, has come at a critical moment in Russia’s history. Society is divided over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and analysts say the government of Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly authoritarian and repressive, as explained in this report from the VOA Moscow bureau, narrated by Marcus Harton
As the world marks the passing of former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, VOA’s Kane Farabaugh shares the thoughts of international journalists and his own memories of what it was like to report on the international statesman.
Experts see a bombshell in the Justice Department’s Tuesday night filing saying it had to approve the FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence and club because sensitive U.S. government documents had been “likely concealed and removed” to obstruct the investigation. VOA’s senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Britain will have a new prime minister next week, nearly two months after the resignation of Boris Johnson in July, following a series of scandals. As Henry Ridgwell reports, Johnson's successor faces a series of daunting challenges — while Britain’s allies, including Ukraine, are watching closely.
VOA's Kane Farabaugh spoke with NASA Astronaut Victor Glover ahead of Monday's scheduled Artemis launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. While the launch was postponed, NASA's quest to return to the moon and eventually send humans to Mars remains a priority for the U.S. space agency.
"Persuasion," a new film based on Jane Austen's early 19th century novel, has ranked among the top 10 on the Netflix streaming platform. While Austen diehards and many critics have slammed it as inauthentic, others say such modernized versions could attract new audiences to the books of the celebrated English author. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more. Video editor: Penelope Poulou
Some Indo-Pacific nations find themselves caught between the interests of two rival nations – the U.S. and China. Some countries are trying to balance relations with both, like Indonesia which is deepening defense ties with the U.S. while trying to avoid repercussions from China, their largest trading partner. VOA’s Virginia Gunawan reports. Contributor: Eva Mazrieva
Condolences and tributes are pouring in from around the world following Tuesday’s death of the former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. VOA’s Michael Brown reports on some of the early reactions.
The White House is considering cutting imports from Nicaragua over its objections to the increasingly authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega, sources in the Biden administration tell VOA’s Jorge Agobian. Anita Powell looks at the implications of such a move on the cash-strapped central American nation, and reports from Washington.
For the first time, President Joe Biden waded into the politically sensitive subject of the FBI’s recent search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence, calling Republican rhetorical attacks on the U.S. federal law enforcement agency "sickening." White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
In the Western U.S. states of Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary by promoting the stories of native tribes forced from the park at its founding. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya has the story. Video: Natasha Mozgovaya, Scott Stearns
After Monday’s scrubbed Artemis launch, NASA is awaiting liftoff of its first mission back to the moon — an unmanned test flight of its new rocket and capsule system. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports on the excitement surrounding the Artemis program, which aims to one day send humans to Mars.
Ukrainians in the Western U.S. state of Colorado marked Ukrainian Independence Day and six months of war with Russia at a fundraising event to support charities and defense operations in Ukraine. For VOA, Svitlana Prystynska was there.
Negotiators from Iran and six world powers are reportedly close to agreeing on a revival of the 2015 nuclear deal known as the JCPOA — which saw the U.S. and Europe roll back sanctions on Iran in return for limits on Tehran’s nuclear program. But as Henry Ridgwell reports from London, there is one major hurdle to overcome.
The price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has fallen dramatically in recent months. Still, many investors are excited about the future of digital currencies despite the risks. VOA’s Michelle Quinn reports from San Francisco.
U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria have launched a sweeping campaign against Islamic State group suspects inside a camp that holds the families of IS militants. VOA’s Zana Omar has the story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.
Timothy Obiezu reports from Benue, Nigeria, about aid groups working in rural communities to address Nigeria's child marriage rate – one of the highest in Africa
For the third time in his career, Kenya’s main opposition leader Raila Odinga is challenging presidential election results at the country’s Supreme Court. Some critics are mocking the former prime minister for again refusing to accept defeat. But legal experts say Odinga's petitions have played a key role in improving the integrity of Kenya's elections and the stability of its democracy. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. Camera: Amos Wangwa
As the U.S. military continues to consider China’s military strength in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy is turning to driverless ships to multiply its forces. VOA’s Jessica Stone takes us along for a closer look at this military innovation. Camera: Keith Lane
A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for later this week on the use of an independent arbiter to review sensitive and “sometimes classified” documents seized at former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence. At issue is Trump’s claim of executive privilege, something typically not afforded former presidents. The U.S. Department of Justice issued no comment, as is typical for ongoing investigations. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more
Killings of minority Hindus known as Pandits have resumed in Indian-administered Kashmir after a gap of 16 years, raising concerns about the safety of the minority group. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam has more from Srinagar in Indian administered Kashmir. Camera and production: Wasim Nabi