Newsletter Archive

Some Donald Trump supporters fear the ‘deep state’ is out to undermine his presidency. ‘Deep state’ is a murky term that refers to a conspiracy — usually involving intelligence agencies, the armed forces or even judges — to influence policy and undercut democratically elected administrations. Over the past few decades, ‘deep state’ conspiracy theories have been embraced by both the far left and the far right.

Their dreams of sneaking into America to find work in order to support family back home in Mexico were dashed when they were caught trying to cross the border. VOA visits a hostel in Nogales, Mexico, where would-be illegal immigrants land after their quest to unlawfully enter the United States ends in failure.

Hate crimes, including attacks against American Jews and Muslims, spiked in several key U.S. cities in 2016, an upsurge that started during the presidential campaign. The number of hate groups also rose in 2016, the most dramatic increase being in the number of anti-Muslim hate groups.

VIDEO: Drones could soon be coming to the medical rescue. During a recent experiment, a drone delivered emergency medicine in just 20 minutes, much faster than the 2.5 hour driving time. Right now, though, the Federal Aviation Administration restricts drone use due to safety concerns in a congested airspace.

What is it like to be the victim of a suspected chemical attack? Remnants of rudimentary homemade chemical bombs still pollute some Mosul neighborhoods. Residents are both anxious and angry as they wait for someone to clean it up. They tell VOA the odor is worse at night, when people feel like they are suffocating.

Women bare the brunt of suffering from Boko Haram, according to a U.S. diplomat who visited areas ravaged by the Nigerian militants. The terror group’s attacks have triggered a humanitarian crisis affecting 26 million people in four countries. VOA accompanied a UN delegation on a tour of the devastated areas.

VIDEO: Ernestine Shepherd is the world’s oldest competitive female body builder. The 80-year-old is even in ‘The Guinness Book of Records.’ She attributes her high fitness level to determination, dedication and discipline. Forget about a rocking chair, this senior citizen would rather rock that body.

Comics are the latest way to fight child trafficking in India. Children in more than 500 villages have received the illustrated story of how two young girls are lured away by a man with evil intentions. The comic book initiative is among several efforts to prevent trafficking in rural areas.