World Story of the Day

In the ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Sharim, men wear dark pants, long dark coats and black hats.

World News

Ultra-Orthodox In Israel: Keeping Cool While Keeping Customs

5:58pm August 21, 2015

by Emily Harris

Even in this month's 90-degree heat, ultra-Orthodox Jews stay loyal to their traditional attire: heavy, long skirts for women and dark suits and fedoras for men. Air conditioning helps.

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Iran Lobbying Battle Heats Up On The Airwaves

3:03pm August 21, 2015

by Peter Overby

Lawmakers have left Washington, D.C., for August recess, but intense lobbying over the Iran nuclear deal followed them home.

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Omar Sharif in one of his signature roles, the revolutionary poet Doctor Zhivago in the film of the same name.

Remembering Omar Sharif, A Star In Two Skies

9:25am August 18, 2015

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Legendary Egyptian actor Omar Sharif has died at the age of 83. He became a global star in the 1960s with films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago — but his career started in Cairo.

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For Syrian Refugees Hoping To Reach Europe, Turkey Is The Jumping Off Point

7:48pm August 17, 2015

by Ari Shapiro

The southwestern coast of Turkey has become the departure point for thousands of migrants seeking the short boat trip to a nearby Greek island, which is the first step into Western Europe.

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Tashi, who's about 5, comes to the school full of anger and fear — and undergoes a transformation.

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The Former Monk Who Is A Father Figure To 85 Children

10:31am August 17, 2015

by NPR Staff

In the foothills of the Himalayas, Lobsang Phuntsok built the Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community for kids from troubled backgrounds. It's the subject of a documentary, Tashi and the Monk.

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Hirohito's Speech: The Surrender Of Japan's 'Living God'

6:56pm August 15, 2015

On this day 70 years ago, Emperor Hirohito announced to his people that Japan would surrender to the Allies in World War II. George Koo of the Asia Times remembers the historic speech.

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A Paris 'Beach Party' Turns Into A Middle East Protest

10:36am August 15, 2015

by Jake Cigainero

Parisians create an urban beach on the banks of the Seine every summer to conjure seashores around the world. This year's fantasy beach, Tel Aviv, sparked protests and a rival "Gaza" beach.

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Meihua and her parents shared a room at a temporary school following the earthquake. She's shown here with her mother in 2009, a year after the quake.

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Rebuilding A Life Shattered By An Earthquake In China

2:49pm August 14, 2015

by Melissa Block

NPR's Melissa Block was in China when a major earthquake hit in 2008. As she wraps up her time as host of All Things Considered, she reconnects with a Chinese girl who has overcome great challenges.

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Sisters Francine and Fernanda Gravina have German, Italian, African and indigenous ancestry.

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Dark-Skinned Or Black? How Afro-Brazilians Are Forging A Collective Identity

2:34pm August 14, 2015

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

In Brazil, people have tended to describe themselves by skin color rather than race. But that's all changing, as the country's black pride movement gains traction.

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The Havana studio of prominent artist Kcho is ringed by Cubans with their heads buried in screens. Users say the only other free Internet connection in Havana is at the U.S. Interests Section.

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An Object Of Desire: Hope And Yearning For The Internet In Cuba

9:43am August 13, 2015

by Robert Siegel

Without a doubt, the Internet in Cuba is tough. The politics are thorny; getting it is difficult. But there are signs that change is on the horizon.

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