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Russia's current war tactics are strikingly similar to its 2008 invasion of Georgia

4:57pm March 24, 2022

Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, and many of the war tactics are chillingly similar to what we're seeing in Ukraine now. Did Russia develop its "playbook" 14 years ago?

Madeleine Albright is pictured in 2018 on the set of Madam Secretary.

The gift Madeleine Albright leaves is showing us what's possible

10:23am March 24, 2022

by Kevin Drew

Today, as Ukraine defends itself against military forces from Russia, Albright's journey is especially important.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in a meeting with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich (on the left, in the center) in 2010.

How 'shock therapy' created Russian oligarchs and paved the path for Putin

6:30am March 22, 2022

by Greg Rosalsky

In the 1990s, reformers adopted a radical economic program in Russia. It devastated ordinary Russians and created a new class of oligarchs. And it explains the rise of Putin and the leader he is today

After 20 years of setbacks, the U.S. military court in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, is exploring the idea of settlement talks for the 9/11 detainees. If that happens, the defendants could plead guilty, serve life in prison and avoid the death penalty.

National

Guantánamo prosecutors are exploring plea deals in 9/11 case after years of setbacks

3:54pm March 21, 2022

by Sacha Pfeiffer

After 20 years of failure, the U.S. military court in Guantánamo is admitting a 9/11 trial may never happen. Instead, the defendants may plead guilty, serve life in prison and avoid the death penalty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to the U.S. Congress by video at the Capitol on March 16, 2022, to plead for support for his besieged country.

Zelenskyy's plea to Congress recalls Churchill and others who fought for democracy

8:40am March 19, 2022

by Ron Elving

Other addresses to Congress by foreign leaders have paled compared to Winston Churchill welding with his words the alliance that overcame Adolph Hitler, until Volodymyr Zelenskyy's this week.

World News

Putin's rhetoric is a worrisome reminder of Russia's dark past

4:38pm March 17, 2022

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, about how almost three weeks into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, more than 7,000 Russian troops have been killed.

Russia's war in Ukraine has NATO on alert. Here's how we got to this point

1:23pm March 17, 2022

by Terry Gross

Historian Mary Elise Sarotte tells how NATO expanded into Eastern Europe after the fall of the U.S.S.R, and is now obligated to defend nations near Russia's war in Ukraine. Her book is Not One Inch.

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A lead sarcophagus is found during fire restoration Notre Dame Cathedral

5:59am March 17, 2022

Researchers believe the sarcophagus could date back to the 14th century. They don't know who's inside, but it was probably someone important at the time — likely a senior dignitary.

Gonzaga players celebrate after defeating Saint Mary's in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the West Coast Conference tournament on March 8 in Las Vegas.

Gonzaga is coming in hot to March Madness. But what's behind the name?

5:28pm March 16, 2022

by Rina Torchinsky

The first round of the NCAA tournament kicked off this week, and Gonzaga University's Bulldogs sit at the top of the rankings. Here's what's behind the school's name.

The dyeing of the Chicago River began on Saturday in Chicago.

Dyeing the Chicago River green is a St. Patrick's Day tradition. How did it start?

4:24pm March 16, 2022

by Jeff Dean

For 60 years, Chicago has turned its downtown river green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The annual tradition actually has its roots in a big problem for the city: sewage.