This week's show features stories from France 24, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and NHK Japan.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220506.mp3 (29:00)

From FRANCE- India is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave, creating more demand for electricity, 70% of which is derived from burning coal. There were Mayday rallies across France, calling for wage increases and to stop the plan to raise the retirement age.

From CUBA- they also have a youtube channel called france24 english. On to RHC. A brief report on Mayday around the world and its history. Oil company profits are soaring and the UN Secretary General criticized them. Then a Viewpoint about Press Freedom Day, and what is happening in the US to alternative and independent media outlets that challenge the Wests reporting on events in Ukraine.

From GERMANY- Reporters Without Borders says that media freedom in Russia has deteriorated this year, with the government blocking access to international and independent news sources concerning the war in Ukraine. What is the role of propaganda in war? The leader of the European Commission has called for a ban in Europe of Russian oil, as well as banning 3 more Russian networks in Europe, in addition to Sputnik Radio and Russia Today which are already blocked. After many decades of pacifism, both Germany and Japan are changing their policy on offensive weapons and are developing rearmament plans.

From JAPAN- A planned multibillion dollar US arms sale to Taiwan has been delayed because of increased demand for in other parts of the globe. The Chinese Navy did more military drills with its warships in the western Pacific Ocean. Russian commanders complain that the west is filling Ukraine with weapons, so they are going to target train transport of the arms. More on the Japanese plans to increase military power, with the assistance of the US military.