The World PRX

Juneteenth marks a celebratory milestone in the history of emancipation in the US, but the legacy of slavery persists, not just in the US but across the globe. Also, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was just sworn in for his second term in office, despite his party losing a decadeslong majority in a recent parliamentary election. And a new series that will run throughout the summer examines key themes in the tense relationship between the US and China. The first installment of "Face Off" centers on the escalating risk of military encounters over South China Sea.

The annual Muslim pilgrimage known as the Hajj isn't just a spiritual journey; it's physically strenuous, too. Travelers to Mecca and Medina this year have braved dangerous heat. Host Marco Werman speaks with a Muslim American who's there right now, participating in the ritual. Plus, Polish abortion rights activists reflect on 30 years of some of the strictest abortion laws in the region just as those laws appear likely to change. And the Turkish government's latest attempt to deal with stray dogs in cities has sparked anger in local communities. A draft law set to be debated by parliament could require cities to euthanize dogs that are not adopted within 30 days.

A UNICEF representative based in Gaza joins us from inside the territory with insights on what a proposed pause in fighting would — and wouldn't — accomplish on the ground. Plus, in a diplomatic shakeup, China is recalling two of its diplomats to Australia. Not the highest-ranking ones, but probably the most famous: giant pandas at the Adelaide Zoo, are going back to China. And, classic American folk tunes meets beloved ragas from India. The home of country music — the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville — is showcasing the ensemble American Patchwork Quartet.

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. Also, we air Part 3 of the series “Lethal Dissent,” which looks at the death of an Iranian poet living in Turkey. And, Qatar tries to beat the heat by air conditioning outdoor spaces. Plus, a new project tries to prove that gamers do, in fact, “touch grass.”

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family, and supporters by surprise. Fariba finds one of Mohammad Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died.

G7 nations agree to give Ukraine a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Also, a growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians and distancing themselves from Israel. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel. And, Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek takes us through Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.