Ukraine is Russia, and the invasion of Ukraine simply represents the return to an older, fundamental reality, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. And, here's what happens to plastic waste that gets sent to Indonesia. Also, precious documents have been returned to the historical learning center of Timbuktu in Mali. Plus, a look at the pop hit by Chappell Roan that's sending droves of fans to Canada. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

For almost two years, Palestinians in Gaza have been recording everything – some as trained journalists, others as citizen journalists – to make sure the world knows they existed. Also, where does the world stand on efforts to reduce plastic? And, a look at Japan-China relations, 80 years after Japan's surrender in World War II. Plus, a chat with one of Dubai's foremost vinyl record collectors. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Experts say extremist groups from around the world are using artificial intelligence to produce propaganda and appeal to new audiences. Also, flight attendants for Canada's largest airline are planning to walk off the job at midnight on Saturday over wage disputes. And, we hear from Ukrainians ahead of a meeting between the US and Russian presidents in Alaska on Friday. Plus, a family that’s been making Roman balances for centuries. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

US officials have unsealed an indictment against Haitian gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier and three Haiti-born naturalized US citizens for conspiring to violate US sanctions. Also, a deadly heat wave is scorching southern Europe with record-breaking temperatures this month, with some residents in Milan taking matters into their own hands. And, a WHO report finds that Africans are lonelier than people on any other continent. Plus, undercover cops in the UK go jogging to put an end to catcalling. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Far-right parties are surging in popularity across Europe and environmentalists say their influence could put the EU’s climate agenda in jeopardy. Also, as Russian troops advance deeper into eastern Ukraine just days ahead of a meeting between the US and Russian presidents, one Kyiv resident says her country’s future shouldn’t be decided without Ukrainians at the table. And, donkeys and other animals are crucial as fuel for transport becomes scarce in Gaza, but after months of almost no aid entering the enclave, the animals are suffering, too. Plus, an AI that speaks the language of Latin America. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

An Israeli strike on a press tent outside a Gaza hospital killed five Al Jazeera journalists on Sunday, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif. The Committee to Protect Journalists had warned of the danger to al-Sharif's life, something that’s become part of a pattern of press intimidation. Also, Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay has died in hospital two months after he was shot in an assassination attempt. And, one innovator in Ghana is trying to solve two problems at once by using plastic waste to build much-needed desks for schools. Plus, Finland celebrates the 80th birthday of the popular chubby hippopotamus-like cartoon family known as the Moomins. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Palestinians in Gaza are reacting with dread to the announcement that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. Also, families of Israeli hostages, as well as those seeking the return of their loved ones’ remains, have responded with deep frustration and a sense of betrayal at the Israeli government. And, Ghana approves the world’s first malaria drug for newborns, marking a breakthrough in infant care. Plus, wildcard Victoria Mboko wins her first Women’s Tennis Association title at the Canadian Open. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is talking about ordering the Israeli military to escalate its campaign to take control of all of Gaza. Also, a wildfire rages across southwestern France, exacerbated by a heat wave and a recent project to overhaul the region's vineyards. And, new research identifies the culprit behind more than a decade of mass sea star deaths. Plus, the 2025 World Games kicks off in China with sports like disc golf, drone racing and motosurf. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Today marks 80 years since the first use of a nuclear weapon during wartime — the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Also, political parties in Israel who represent the Ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, are incensed over legislation forcing them to join the army, something they’ve thus far been exempt from. And, a lack of rain and soaring temperatures have stressed Tehran’s infrastructure to the breaking point as a drought and heat wave intensify in Iran. Plus, Italy hopes to build the longest suspension bridge in the world. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest on charges of masterminding a coup to overturn the country's 2022 election. Also, the reinterpretation by AI of a popular movie in India sparks debate. And, a retired US military officer discusses his firsthand experience at the controversial food distribution sites run by the joint US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Plus, attempts to convince Thai society to embrace a traditionally reviled lizard. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing a landmark trial in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity. The charges are linked to the 2024 student protests that toppled her government. Also, a new report looks at  health impacts throughout the life cycle of plastic ahead of a global meeting to negotiate the final steps of an international plastics treaty. And, wholesalers in Istanbul, Turkey, give surplus fabric a second life. Plus, New Zealand recognizes the world’s oldest alpaca in captivity. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to start up new tariffs on dozens of countries, sowing more uncertainty in the global economy. Also, scientists are developing an early warning system as heavy rains induced by climate change trigger more landslides in India. And, a new study finds surprisingly high rates of long-COVID in Ethiopia and Uganda. Plus, the largest heavy metal festival in the world kicks of in a small village in Germany. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Climate change is making the Indian monsoon more unpredictable, causing frequent flooding and waterlogging in cities, with additional factors worsening the problem. Also, Lithuania's prime minister steps down after denying any wrongdoing but saying that scandals are hindering the government's work. And, a discussion about growing calls for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution. Plus, some swimmers are making waves at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A massive earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and as far south as Chile. We look at the science behind the phenomena. Also, cyberattacks have surged across European hospitals, disrupting vital patient care. And, dermatologists warn that skin lightening products, particularly used across sub-Saharan Africa, may be increasing people’s risk of getting skin cancer. Plus, some artifacts point to an ancient writing system that was once used by women in Zambia. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A court in Colombia has convicted former President Álvaro Uribe on witness tampering charges. To some Colombians, Uribe is a national hero, while others view him as a ruthless strongman who undermined their democracy. Also, military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire after clashes erupted along their shared border last week. And, controversy over the Brazilian government serving shark meat in schools and at hospitals nationwide. Plus, using the ancient Shinto spiritual practice of forest bathing from Japan to deal with global crises. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico City marks seven centuries since the founding of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital buried beneath the modern metropolis. Also, France reverses a ban, reintroducing a controversial pesticide, despite the largest citizen signature campaign in French history calling to keep it off farms after research has shown it can devastate honeybee colonies. And, amid protests in Tel Aviv and under international pressure, Israel airdrops some aid and establishes safe corridors for assistance in Gaza. Plus, some YouTubers have turned the stress of travel into a game. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone strikes yesterday after peace talks failed in Turkey. Drones have taken on a pivotal role in that war, and are also reshaping modern warfare around the globe. Also, Turkish firms are on track to sell more than $8 billion dollars in military hardware this year, a new record for the country. And, young people in Togo are protesting against a recent government move to consolidate power for the country's leader. Plus, South African musician Bakithi Kumalo, who is known for his bass playing, is all over Paul Simon's seminal album “Graceland.” Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.

WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.

WPLN’s Rose Gilbert takes listeners on a journey — from Nashville all the way to northern Iraq and back again — to tell the story of one Kurdish family and its generations-long fight to exist.