The World

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was often dismissed as Vladimir Putin's puppet. But given his key role cutting a deal with Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, analysts are reconsidering that assessment. And, the new International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, opens to the public today. Charleston was the largest slave port in the United States, and the new museum hopes to serve as an archive for the nearly 80% of African Americans who can potentially trace back to an ancestor who arrived there. Also, the annual typhoon season has already begun in Japan, but with climate change has come more severe storms and heavier rainfall. Tokyo, a city built on marshlands, is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding. Plus, dolphin moms use "baby talk" to engage their young.

On Saturday, the Wagner Group took control of a major Russian city, in one of the biggest crises of President Vladimir Putin's political career. Putin's long-time henchman, Yevgeny Prigozhin, authorized the revolt but soon backed down. Observers say the incident left an opening for Ukraine to exploit, but Russian airstrikes have continued unabated. And, Prigozhin's rebellion has raised many questions. We hear from Russia scholar Mark Galeotti about how vulnerable Putin remains and his response to the short-lived mutiny. Also, a new initiative is launching this August to end hunger among school children in Nairobi, Kenya. Plus, Elton John's first — and maybe only — appearance at Glastonbury.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US has secured his country 31 Predator drones worth $3 billion. The purchase could mark a shift global dynamics — historically, India has turned to Russia for its military hardware. Also, an investigation has found that criminal gangs are using sham bank accounts and secret online marketplaces to steal from almost anyone — individuals, churches, corporations — and are routing the money overseas. And, the nonprofit Haitian Education and Leadership Program is assisting people who are unable to pay their tuition bills. Plus, in the latest installment of The World's "Planet Hip Hop" series, we take a look at Argentina's trap music scene.

A stop-and-start peace process between Sudan's warring parties has been put on pause by the US. Reports of genocidal violence in Darfur continue to emerge, as the grinding fight in Khartoum continues. And, commemorations in Britain mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of a ship from Jamaica, the HMT Empire Windrush. Also, Japan has passed a number of reforms to redefine the country's rape laws. The definition of rape has now been broadened so sexual assault victims have more rights and do not have to prove they fought back against their attacker. The age of consent has also been raised from 13 to 16. Plus, "King of Clones" film traces the rise and fall of an infamous Korean scientist.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his first state visit to the United States. India is a strategic partner for the US when it comes to countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific and has the potential to chip away at China's tech-manufacturing prowess. And, French officials raided offices across the country associated with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Authorities are looking into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favoritism in handing out Olympic contracts. Also, a look at what two different tragedies say about Pakistani society: Last week, more than 300 Pakistani migrants died when an overcrowded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece. This week, the heir to one of Pakistan's biggest private fortunes, along with his teenage son, are among five people aboard the missing Titanic submersible. Plus, celebrating the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge.

A private submersible with wealthy patrons aboard has gone missing during a dive to see the Titanic's remains. The US Coast Guard is searching hundreds of square miles as the sub has a limited amount of oxygen. And, nearly half of all men in Malaysia are smokers. Public health experts are now calling for an anti-tobacco policy that bans the sale of cigarettes to anyone born in 2007 onward. Also, before the war in Ukraine, rich and powerful Russians headed to London, Paris and Monaco to buy real estate. Now, they’re snapping up luxury villas and prime location real estate in the United Arab Emirates. Plus, Washington prepares for a visit with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In this hourlong, education-focused special, The World delves into the challenges immigrants face in accessing higher education, looking at issues such as language, borders and costs. US employers who say they can't fill jobs want Congress to raise the number of visas to foreign college graduates. Also, thousands of students attending US colleges and universities actually reside in Mexico. But when border wait times can be two to four hours long, it takes a special dedication to get to class each day. And, we meet several students who struggled to battle Mexican and US bureaucracy to be able to transfer schools. Plus, is the US still the number one education destination?

The conflict between Sudan’s rival armed forces has now entered its second month. More than 2 million people have become displaced by the fighting so far, and the situation is especially dire in Darfur. This week, the governor of West Darfur was killed after speaking up about atrocities there. And, a group of Austrian writers say that many composers of the country's regional anthems were in, or associated with, the Nazi party, and are asking for the songs to be changed. Also, El Salvador has cracked down on gang violence in the past year, by hauling tens of thousands of people to jail without due process. And many citizens of other countries, including the US, Colombia and Guatemala, have been caught up in the crackdown. Plus, shouting into the wind is apparently a good thing.

Wednesday’s deadly shipwreck off southern Greece, involving a fishing boat reportedly carrying up to 750 migrants, highlights the desperation that drives people to risk their lives to reach continental Europe. And, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to visit China on June 19, in hopes of opening further dialogue with Beijing to dampen a general atmosphere of escalation. Also, the United Arab Emirates, one of the biggest oil-producing nations in the world, will be hosting COP28, the United Nations' climate summit. Critics say this is like having tobacco companies oversee the work of the World Health Organization. Plus, we remember Roger Payne, the biologist who showed us the musical side of whales.

Ukrainian leaders say their military is making progress on the battlefield. In less than a week, they have liberated seven villages from Russian occupation. And, John Bolton, former President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, says he’s not surprised that classified documents were found in a Mar-a-lago bathroom. Also, host Marco Weman catches up with Cuban American musician Gloria Estefan, as she looks back at her successful career as a bilingual singer and songwriter. Plus, bumpier flights coincide with warmer skies.