Today marks the final day of voting in the so-called referendums taking place in parts of Ukraine that are occupied by Russian forces. These votes are taking place under military occupation — and they’re also illegal under international law. Meanwhile, a call by Russia for more men to help fight its war in Ukraine has sent many people fleeing the country to avoid conscription. And in Lebanon, bank heists have become so common that the government has ordered banks to be shut. Customers have been trying to retrieve their own savings that are stuck in the banking system. Also, over the past seven days, the British pound has dropped to a record low against the US dollar. Plus, we hear from three violinists of the Scandinavian group Lodestar Trio, who take their music from baroque to folk.

The Brothers of Italy party is set to form a far-right government. We look at the implications for Italy of this neo-fascist party rising to power. Also, protests in Iran — triggered by the death of a 22-year-old woman detained by the nation's morality police — continue, leading to an internet blackout in the country. And, as the energy crunch caused by the Ukraine war looms over Europe, its shockwaves reverberate as far away as Bangladesh.

Many world leaders took to the stage at the UN General Assembly this week to speak about devastating losses their countries have experienced due to climate-fueled natural disasters. Low-emitting countries are calling on historic polluters to help pay for the damage. And polls opened on Friday in the four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. People in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia were told to vote on whether to join Russia. Also, this summer’s travel chaos led to cancellations, delayed flights and lost luggage. In Spain, airlines and airports are trying to make the most of it with a chain of nonprofit shops where shoppers can buy what other travelers have lost. Plus, a photography exhibit honors those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

On Wednesday, after Russian authorities announced plans to draft an additional 300,000 troops to join the war in Ukraine, some people are protesting or making hasty plans to leave, while others are lining up to join. And El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele recently announced plans to seek reelection despite a constitutional ban. We hear from a news director who says his leadership is “one step away” from a dictatorship. Also, in Cambodia on Thursday, a United Nations-backed tribunal charged with prosecuting the crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime held its final hearing. After 16 years and $337 million, the tribunal convicted just three men of crimes committed by a regime that caused the deaths of millions. Plus, a molecular biologist brings cultural rehabilitation through ice cream flavors in Cape Town, South Africa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans Wednesday morning to call up to 300,000 reservists to join the fight in Ukraine and threatened to deploy nuclear weapons if Russian territory is threatened. And President Joe Biden was in New York on Wednesday to address the United Nations General Assembly. Biden used the opportunity to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and reiterate the US commitment to Ukraine's defense. Also, about a half a million foreign students — mostly from Africa and parts of Asia — were shut out of their universities in China due to COVID-19. Chinese authorities are not making it easy to return anytime soon. Plus, the quadrillions of ants on planet Earth matter immensely to life.

Leaders from around the world are gathering in New York this week for the UN General Assembly. It's the first time leaders gather together since the start of the pandemic in 2020. And in Puerto Rico, residents are facing the collapse of the electrical grid and a lack of clean water in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. Also, on Tuesday night in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin is to speak to the nation about Ukraine. The last time he did this was on the eve of the Russian invasion in February. Plus, the lead singer of Ukrainian band Antytila is on the front lines.

Britain said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II in a televised ceremony witnessed by billions. In attendance was US President Joe Biden among hundreds of heads of state. Early Monday morning, the last members of the waiting mourners were admitted to walk past the queen's coffin, marking the end of her relationship with the British public. And Hurricane Fiona pummeled Puerto Rico Sunday night, leaving the island without power and wiping out roads and bridges. Residents worry that it feels like 2017 again, when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island. Also, protests in Iran have grown since last Friday when the news of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini became public. Amini was arrested three days earlier by the so-called morality police for not following the appropriate dress codes. Plus, Biden declared the COVID-19 pandemic over, but infectious disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci says not so much.

Earlier this week, mass graves were discovered in the newly liberated town of Izium, in northeast Ukraine. Over 400 bodies have been found since Russian troops retreated. And an estimated 1.5 million carnations from Turkey’s southern Isparta region will be sent to the United Kingdom during the mourning period for the late queen — double the usual number. Also, the weeklong EuroPride event includes a final Pride March to be held in Serbia this weekend. But the Serbian government and police force have worked to ban it over the past couple of weeks. Plus, catastrophic flooding in Pakistan has left at least 1,500 people dead and a half a million homeless. Volunteer groups there have been stepping up to aid survivors.

Two planes landed at the airport on Martha's Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts on Wednesday. The passengers, from Venezuela and Colombia, learned that they had been drawn into a political fight over immigration enforcement along the southern border. And this week, the US announced it was transferring $3.5 billion of Afghanistan's Central Bank money to a Swiss trust. The money would be used “for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan.” Also, the first climate lawsuit in Russia is now filed in their Supreme Court. It was put forward by activists who say the government needs to take stronger action to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion from Switzerland, is stepping away from professional tennis.

The United Nations is saying it needs $1 billion to avert a catastrophic famine in Somalia. The country is experiencing its worst drought in more than 40 years. But one thing is making the humanitarian response extremely difficult: terrorism. And China’s state-owned Cosco Shipping is investing $3 billion to build a  port 50 miles north of Lima, Peru. It will be serve as a preferential point for the exit of the raw materials that the region exports to China. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jingping are set to meet on Thrusday on the sidelines of an Asian nations conference. Plus, Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila calls it quits after 14 years.