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Ukraine's capital begins the new year under a new wave of Russian drone attacks. At least half of Puerto Rico is starting the new year without power. Many people this month will embark on Dry January.

For most western countries January first is a holiday. In Afghanistan and Pakistan it is the date of many, many birthdays. We find out why.

Just drums and clarinets comprise Linares, Mexico's unique form of music. We visit the quaint, sleepy city four hours south of the Texas border where this unique musical tradition is thriving.

An emerging film festival in Lagos, Nigeria, is trying to change the stories mainstream Nigerian films tell.

Syrian refugees in Turkey are considering whether to return home following the overthrow of the Syrian dictator, Bashar a-Assad. But many remain worried about their country's future.

Drummer Rikki Rockett recalls what the band did in response. Continue reading…

Former opposition groups — some of whom are U.S.-trained — will be knitted together into new Syrian security forces organized by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group that led the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.(Image credit: Manu Brabo for NPR)

He responds to suggestions it should be rebranded as the 'Music Hall of Fame.' Continue reading…

Four weeks after a puzzling outbreak was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization has identified the cause.(Image credit: pavalena/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Drummer's new bio doesn't mention years with second Van Halen frontman. Continue reading…