World News

World News

Hong Kong businesses are under threat for association with pro-democracy protests

10:15pm July 16, 2024

by John Ruwitch

In Hong Kong, long after the protest movement that kicked off five years ago fizzled out, a quiet tussle is playing out over the fate of businesses that once supported the ideals of the demonstrators.

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A Gaza Detainee Speaks

4:24pm July 16, 2024

Ever since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th, Israel had detained thousands of Palestinians from Gaza. We hear the story of one radiologist who says he endured beatings and mistreatment during seven months in Israeli detention.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

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A North Korean diplomat in Cuba defects to South Korea

4:12pm July 16, 2024

by The Associated Press

South Korea’s spy agency said Tuesday that a senior North Korea diplomat based in Cuba has fled to South Korea, the latest defection by members of the North's ruling elite that likely hurt leader Kim Jong Un's push to bolster his leadership.

World News

A radiologist in Gaza says he endured beatings while detained in Israel

3:20pm July 16, 2024

by Daniel Estrin

A radiologist in Gaza tells NPR he endured beatings and mistreatment during seven months in Israeli detention. Israel has incarcerated thousands of Gazans since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

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Women in The Gambia who opposed female genital mutilation were jubilant when the parliament rejected a bill to overturn a ban on the practice.

A victory for opponents of female genital mutilation in The Gambia

3:20pm July 16, 2024

by Gabrielle Emanuel

On Monday, Gambian lawmakers rejected a bill that would have overturned its ban on female genital mutilation. The vote marks a victory for women’s rights activists and comes after months of intense debate.

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Will the Seine be clean enough to swim in by the Olympics? Not even the experts know

2:49am July 16, 2024

by The Associated Press

Triathlon and marathon swimming are to take place in the Seine, where it has been illegal to swim for more than a century. The water has tested unsafe in recent weeks, and cleaner on other days.

World News

Politically-motivated attacks are an issue for democracies around the world

10:15pm July 15, 2024

by Jackie Northam

Across the world, people are looking in horror at the rise of political violence in the U.S. But many international leaders have also fallen prey to political extremism.

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China's Communist Party aims to chart a new economic course

6:24pm July 15, 2024

by John Ruwitch

China's Communist Party leaders holds a key meeting on Monday — an opportunity to chart a new economic course — but few observers expect big breakthroughs to boost the economy.

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Tested: The Choice

4:33pm July 15, 2024

Episode 1: Would you alter your body for the chance to compete for a gold medal? That's the question facing a small group of elite athletes right now. Last year, track and field authorities announced new regulations that mean some women can't compete in the female category unless they lower their body's naturally occurring testosterone levels. You'll meet one of those runners, Christine Mboma, a reigning Olympic silver medalist, and hear about the difficult choice she faces. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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The Consequential Meeting in China Being Held in Secret

4:13pm July 15, 2024

Every five years China's Communist Party holds a meeting in secret called the "third plenum". And while it may sound arcane, there are a lot of important policy decisions that have come out of this meeting. Our correspondent in Beijing tells us what is at stake for the meeting this week.

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