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Facebook and TikTok block Russian state media in Europe

Facebook's parent company Meta said in a statement that it had received requests from a number of governments and the European Union "to take further steps in relation to Russian state controlled media." Jenny Kane/AP file photo hide caption

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Jenny Kane/AP file photo

Technology

Facebook and TikTok block Russian state media in Europe

Kremlin-backed news outlets RT and Sputnik have become flashpoints for social media companies that are under pressure to curb the spread of Russian propaganda and disinformation.

Russia is using controversial 'cluster munitions' in Ukraine, humanitarian groups say

Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Thursday. Humanitarian organizations say Russian forces are using cluster munitions in their bombing and shelling of Ukraine. Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images

Russia is using controversial 'cluster munitions' in Ukraine, humanitarian groups say

Once fired, cluster munitions open in midair and rain down dozens or even hundreds of smaller submunitions, or "bomblets," over a large area the size of one or several football fields.

The ICC says it will open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine

Karim A.A. Khan, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, speaks during a news conference last August. The prosecutor has put combatants and their commanders on notice that he is monitoring Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Marwan Ali/AP hide caption

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Marwan Ali/AP

Europe

The ICC says it will open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine

The International Criminal Court's top prosecutor said there is "reasonable basis to believe" war crimes may have been committed in Ukraine, where eight years of conflict preceded Russia's invasion.

Animals

Magpies' unexpected reaction to GPS trackers may have revealed altruism in the birds

Researchers tried to attach tracking devices to magpies for a study. But the magpies helped each other to remove them — a possible sign, the scientists say, of altruism in the birds.

Magpies' unexpected reaction to GPS trackers may have revealed altruism in the birds

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Putin's invasion of Ukraine may be putting Russia's alliance with China to the test

Ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China was widely seen as one of Moscow's few allies. But the recent actions of President Vladmir Putin now has China trying to distance itself from Russia.

Putin's invasion of Ukraine may be putting Russia's alliance with China to the test

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Samantha Power on meeting with refugees crossing out of Ukraine

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development about the humanitarian and refugee crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Samantha Power on meeting with refugees crossing out of Ukraine

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Europe

Many fleeing Ukraine were still rebuilding their lives after the 2014 Russian assault

A Ukrainian family fled their home and now are stuck on the Ukrainian side of the border with Poland in an endless line.

Many fleeing Ukraine were still rebuilding their lives after the 2014 Russian assault

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UN diplomats spoke out against Moscow in emergency meeting

Diplomats at the United Nations are calling for peace. They held an emergency meeting after Russia blocked a security council resolution calling on Russia to withdraw.

UN diplomats spoke out against Moscow in emergency meeting

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Science

Physical evidence indicates that the coronavirus emerged at Wuhan seafood market

Scientists have solid, physical evidence indicating the COVID pandemic began at a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Data suggest the virus jumped from an animal at the market into people at least twice.

Physical evidence indicates that the coronavirus emerged at Wuhan seafood market

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In an effort to choke Russian economy, new sanctions target Russia's central bank

The U.S. and its allies are taking additional steps to squeeze the Russian economy in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Russia's currency has fallen, which will mean higher prices for Russians.

In an effort to choke Russian economy, new sanctions target Russia's central bank

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Climate

Some effects of climate change are irreversible, but there's still hope

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with earth scientist Brian O'Neill about a new major United Nations report on climate change.

Some effects of climate change are irreversible, but there's still hope

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Media

Why Ukrainians are being treated differently than refugees from other countries

As neighboring countries let in Ukrainian refugees, Africans living and studying in Ukraine say they're facing discrimination at border crossings. Media coverage of the invasion is part of the reason.

Why Ukrainians are being treated differently than refugees from other countries

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