Alex Leff
@alexleff.bsky.social
Editing world news and features online at the venerable @npr.org
His videos of jet-skiing to refuge in Europe have been shared millions of times on socials. But Mohammed Abu Daqqa has a wife and 3 young boys who are still in Gaza. His main focus is trying to get them out. www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
He left Gaza and fled to Europe on a jet ski. Now he hopes to bring his family
In an extraordinary journey, a Palestinian man used a jet ski to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach Europe after he fled the war in Gaza.
www.npr.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
His videos of jet-skiing to refuge in Europe have been shared millions of times on socials. But Mohammed Abu Daqqa has a wife and 3 young boys who are still in Gaza. His main focus is trying to get them out. www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
The Palestinian man jet-ski'd to Europe now wants to get his wife and kids out of Gaza safely www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
He left Gaza and fled to Europe on a jet ski. Now he hopes to bring his family
In an extraordinary journey, a Palestinian man used a jet ski to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach Europe after he fled the war in Gaza.
www.npr.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The Palestinian man jet-ski'd to Europe now wants to get his wife and kids out of Gaza safely www.npr.org/2025/11/24/n...
Radio Dabanga reports ‘empty markets, ongoing body disposal’ in North Darfur capital according to Yale research www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/...
New Yale HRL satellite evidence: ‘Empty markets, ongoing body disposal’ in North Darfur capital - Dabanga Radio TV Online
Disturbing evidence has emerged from a report published by the Yale School of Public Health’s...
www.dabangasudan.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Radio Dabanga reports ‘empty markets, ongoing body disposal’ in North Darfur capital according to Yale research www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/...
Reposted by Alex Leff
NPR's Scott Simon offers some needed perspective on Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was executed in 2018. This week President Trump said of the murder, "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen."
"His last column, published after his death, called for free expression in the Arab world, and warned that the region's governments 'have been given free rein to continue silencing the media.'" www.npr.org/2025/11/22/n...
Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever
Jamal Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family but fled his country in June, 2017, after he'd become increasingly critical of his government. The Saudi journalist was murdered in 2018.
www.npr.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:27 PM
NPR's Scott Simon offers some needed perspective on Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was executed in 2018. This week President Trump said of the murder, "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen."
"His last column, published after his death, called for free expression in the Arab world, and warned that the region's governments 'have been given free rein to continue silencing the media.'" www.npr.org/2025/11/22/n...
Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever
Jamal Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family but fled his country in June, 2017, after he'd become increasingly critical of his government. The Saudi journalist was murdered in 2018.
www.npr.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM
"His last column, published after his death, called for free expression in the Arab world, and warned that the region's governments 'have been given free rein to continue silencing the media.'" www.npr.org/2025/11/22/n...
jab up, friends
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
Flu season could be nasty this winter
With a new flu virus variant circulating, scientists fear more sickness this winter. The vaccine may be slightly less effective, but doctors still urge getting one ASAP.
www.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
jab up, friends
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
US unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%
www.npr.org/2025/11/20/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/20/n...
Overdue jobs report shows employers added 119,000 jobs in September
U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%. The report, which was delayed by the government shutdown, may hint at the pace of hiring and firing.
www.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:19 PM
US unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%
www.npr.org/2025/11/20/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/20/n...
NPR: The U.S. deported 50 people to Ukraine this week, a Ukrainian border official said on Tuesday, in what appears to be the single largest such deportation from the U.S. since the country has been at war with Russia. www.npr.org/2025/11/18/g...
U.S. deports dozens of migrants to Ukraine amid war
Immigration lawyers say those deported to Ukraine could be conscripted to fight in the war, contrary to international laws that prohibit deportations to places where people could face violence.
www.npr.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:42 PM
NPR: The U.S. deported 50 people to Ukraine this week, a Ukrainian border official said on Tuesday, in what appears to be the single largest such deportation from the U.S. since the country has been at war with Russia. www.npr.org/2025/11/18/g...
Reposted by Alex Leff
"Donald Trump’s claims that Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi directly contradict a CIA report concluding the crown prince approved it." — CPJ MENA's Regional Director Sara Qudah
November 18, 2025 at 7:56 PM
"Donald Trump’s claims that Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi directly contradict a CIA report concluding the crown prince approved it." — CPJ MENA's Regional Director Sara Qudah
Reposted by Alex Leff
Veteran Jim Blane, almost 101 years old, sat down with CPR News to detail his experience in one of the most pivotal WWII battles, 80 years later. (via Colorado Public Radio)
The Battle of Iwo Jima, through the eyes of a US Marine who lived it
Colorado USMC veteran Jim Blane, almost 101 years old, sat down with CPR News to detail his experience in one of the most pivotal WWII battles, 80 years later.
n.pr
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Veteran Jim Blane, almost 101 years old, sat down with CPR News to detail his experience in one of the most pivotal WWII battles, 80 years later. (via Colorado Public Radio)
Congrats to Katerina! www.npr.org/2025/11/10/g...
Katerina Barton is the 2025-2026 Above the Fray Fellow
www.npr.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Congrats to Katerina! www.npr.org/2025/11/10/g...
More and more Ukrainian women are volunteering to fight Russia as the war nears its fourth year, and troops are in short supply. Latest deep dive by @npr.org's @joannakakissis.bsky.social with Tetiana Burianova & Polina Lytvynova, and 📸 by Anton Shtuka. www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
'No turning back': More and more Ukrainian women join the army to fight Russia
An increasing number of women are joining the Ukrainian military, with thousands serving in front line roles, as Russia's war on Ukraine nears its fourth year — with no peace in sight.
www.npr.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:53 PM
More and more Ukrainian women are volunteering to fight Russia as the war nears its fourth year, and troops are in short supply. Latest deep dive by @npr.org's @joannakakissis.bsky.social with Tetiana Burianova & Polina Lytvynova, and 📸 by Anton Shtuka. www.npr.org/2025/11/11/n...
"Decades later, across once-devastated Europe, nations are again rearming, plowing investments into the defense industry in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine." apnews.com/article/euro...
The specter of new conflict haunts memorials around World War I's end
Tens of thousands of soldiers were killed in World War I and left without graves. On Tuesday, authorities are unveiling a renovated memorial for them in Ypres, the Belgian town that earned the grim ho...
apnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
"Decades later, across once-devastated Europe, nations are again rearming, plowing investments into the defense industry in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine." apnews.com/article/euro...
In an encrypted group chat, National Guard members question Trump deployments
www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
In an encrypted group chat, National Guard members question Trump deployments
As President Trump's call for National Guard deployments rings out across the U.S., a small contingent of Ohio guard members is quietly expressing concern in an encrypted group chat.
www.npr.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:33 PM
In an encrypted group chat, National Guard members question Trump deployments
www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
An AP investigation into some of the victims of US strikes in the Caribbean challenges the official line. As NPR has also found reporting in the region, some of these folks were apparently small-time fishermen rather than some major narco gangsters
www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
Trump says boat crews are narco-terrorists. The truth is more nuanced, AP finds
In interviews in villages on Venezuela's northeastern coast, from which some of the boats departed, residents and relatives said the dead men had been running drugs but were not narco-terrorists.
www.npr.org
November 8, 2025 at 6:39 PM
An AP investigation into some of the victims of US strikes in the Caribbean challenges the official line. As NPR has also found reporting in the region, some of these folks were apparently small-time fishermen rather than some major narco gangsters
www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
here's a fun way to familiarize yourself with Grammy nominees - check out their @npr.org Tiny Desk Concerts! From Bad Bunny to Tame Impala and even some music theater performances like Gypsy and Death Becomes Her www.npr.org/2025/11/07/g...
Grammy nominated artists who played the Tiny Desk in 2025
It's no surprise that a boatload of 2026 Grammy nominations are for rappers, rockers, legends and newcomers who performed at the Tiny Desk in just 2025 alone.
www.npr.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:57 PM
here's a fun way to familiarize yourself with Grammy nominees - check out their @npr.org Tiny Desk Concerts! From Bad Bunny to Tame Impala and even some music theater performances like Gypsy and Death Becomes Her www.npr.org/2025/11/07/g...
Japan deployed troops to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in a mountainous region in the northern prefecture of Akita www.npr.org/2025/11/06/n...
Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks
The deployment comes following a surge of bear attacks in Japan's northern Akita prefecture.
www.npr.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Japan deployed troops to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in a mountainous region in the northern prefecture of Akita www.npr.org/2025/11/06/n...
Reuters photographed construction at an abandoned US naval base in the Caribbean, which military officials and maritime experts said pointed to preparations that could enable the US military to carry out operations inside Venezuela. www.reuters.com/graphics/USA...
How the US is preparing a Caribbean staging ground near Venezuela
The US military is upgrading a Cold War base in the Caribbean it abandoned 20 years ago. Experts say it’s a step towards sustained operations in the region.
www.reuters.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reuters photographed construction at an abandoned US naval base in the Caribbean, which military officials and maritime experts said pointed to preparations that could enable the US military to carry out operations inside Venezuela. www.reuters.com/graphics/USA...
Guardian: The Spanish government has granted citizenship to 170 descendants of volunteers in the International Brigades in recognition of their fight against fascism during the Franco dictatorship that followed the civil war. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Spain grants citizenship to descendants of civil war’s International Brigades
About 32,000 volunteered to fight Franco dictatorship, including 2,500 men and women from Britain and Ireland
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Guardian: The Spanish government has granted citizenship to 170 descendants of volunteers in the International Brigades in recognition of their fight against fascism during the Franco dictatorship that followed the civil war. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
“Instead of setting up a serious challenger to Wikipedia, Musk has scored a major own goal. Grokipedia demonstrates that, while humans might be highly imperfect, biased and tribal beings, they are still better than AI at getting to the truth” - Jemima Kelly in FT
November 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
“Instead of setting up a serious challenger to Wikipedia, Musk has scored a major own goal. Grokipedia demonstrates that, while humans might be highly imperfect, biased and tribal beings, they are still better than AI at getting to the truth” - Jemima Kelly in FT
the man formally known as prince shall henceforth be called Andrew Mountbatten Windsor www.npr.org/2025/10/30/g...
King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of his titles and evicts him from the Royal Lodge
Buckingham Palace said the king's brother will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and not as a prince, and he will move from his Royal Lodge residence into "private accommodation."
www.npr.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:16 PM
the man formally known as prince shall henceforth be called Andrew Mountbatten Windsor www.npr.org/2025/10/30/g...
"It has been misconstrued as a civil war but I can tell you no civilians call what's happening in Sudan a civil war. It is an escalation of the Darfur genocide and it is a proxy war involving some of the richest countries in the world." @npr.org interviews Emi Mahmoud www.npr.org/2025/10/29/n...
Sudanese-American poet talks about the fall of her hometown El Fasher
NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Sudanese-American poet Emi Mahmoud about the fall of Al-Fashir to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
www.npr.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:36 PM
"It has been misconstrued as a civil war but I can tell you no civilians call what's happening in Sudan a civil war. It is an escalation of the Darfur genocide and it is a proxy war involving some of the richest countries in the world." @npr.org interviews Emi Mahmoud www.npr.org/2025/10/29/n...
Who is Doug Ford, the Canadian politician pushing Trump's buttons? www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
Who is Doug Ford, the Canadian politician pushing Trump's buttons?
In his first campaign to lead Ontario, Ford started out as a Trump-style populist. But tariffs changed his view and he is now a consistent thorn in the U.S. president's side.
www.npr.org
October 27, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Who is Doug Ford, the Canadian politician pushing Trump's buttons? www.npr.org/2025/10/27/n...
"Trump critics suggest his Venezuela intimidation is little more than a performative campaign to distract Venezuelan expat voters — most of whom opted for him in last year's election — from the fact that he's deported so many Venezuelan migrants this year." www.wlrn.org/americas/202...
Venezuela braces for a U.S. military strike. But will it change anything?
From Sucre to South Florida, Venezuelans have mixed feelings about whether a threatened U.S. military incursion against drug traffickers will affect their desperate situation — and their brutal dictat...
www.wlrn.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:31 PM
"Trump critics suggest his Venezuela intimidation is little more than a performative campaign to distract Venezuelan expat voters — most of whom opted for him in last year's election — from the fact that he's deported so many Venezuelan migrants this year." www.wlrn.org/americas/202...
Israel, having barred UNRWA, is now taking steps to de-register major NGOs, blocking them from sending aid or staff to Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
www.npr.org/2025/10/21/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/21/n...
Israel takes steps to shut down international aid groups in Gaza and the West Bank
Israel is de-registering major nongovernmental aid groups from helping people in the Palestinian territories, according to several officials with humanitarian organizations.
www.npr.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Israel, having barred UNRWA, is now taking steps to de-register major NGOs, blocking them from sending aid or staff to Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
www.npr.org/2025/10/21/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/21/n...