The World

Join Drew Hawkins, a reporter from Amsterdam, as he explores the Netherlands' progressive harm reduction strategies for drug policy. Dive deep with Peter Gerges, a marine scientist, who reveals how deep-sea creatures, often seen as monsters, play crucial roles in our ecosystem and reflect cultural myths. Finally, Maria Wallowender, a research fellow, sheds light on alarming health impacts from climate change, emphasizing the urgent need to rethink fossil fuel investments. A captivating blend of science, policy, and environmental awareness!

Nathaniel Raymond, director at Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab, reveals shocking satellite images of atrocities in Sudan's al-Fasher. Gracelyn Baskarin from CSIS discusses U.S. strategies to secure critical minerals amid competition with China. Gerry Haddon shares intriguing insights on a species of harvester ant that can give birth to another species, raising evolutionary questions. Dina Temple-Raston highlights the harrowing story of a Uyghur man facing repression while attempting to establish a Uyghur-language kindergarten, showcasing the plight of the community in Xinjiang.

Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 5 hurricane as it heads towards Jamaica. We look at how, in the age of climate change, storms are becoming wetter, stronger, slower and more destructive. Also, US President Donald Trump is on a weeklong trip to East Asia. And, Ireland elects left-leaning lawmaker Catherine Connolly as its new president, known for her outspoken views on the war in Gaza, NATO and Irish unification. Plus, a small abandoned village in Greenland is seeing a revival.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

China's leadership has announced its latest five-year plan for the future. A lot of details are still unknown, but one of government's big ambitions is to strengthen its domestic tech sector. Also, the case of the Guildford Four is considered one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history; decades later, their families say the fight for accountability is still not over. And, 1 in 3 French university students skips a daily meal regularly, as they struggle with rising housing costs and inflation; now, volunteers are coming to help, with groceries and more. Plus, Cape Verde celebrates qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the US as tensions mount between the two countries over aid cuts and US military strikes in the Caribbean. Also, a British soldier on trial for killing two people on Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland in 1972 has been cleared of all charges; we hear reactions from survivors of the violence that day in Belfast. And, Singapore imposes a levy on all departing flights in an effort to boost funding to develop sustainable aviation fuels. Plus, 10 million crabs travel en masse on Christmas Island as part of an annual spawning ritual.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today, the airport in Khartoum was scheduled to reopen for the first time since the start of the country’s civil war two years ago. But a series of drone strikes near the airport put the kibosh on those plans. Also, Copenhagen's Human Library lends people who volunteer to be “open books" in one-on-one conversations with "readers." These books share a wide range of personal perspectives — from being a trans woman or military veteran to being a police officer or sex worker. And, sleeper trains are making a comeback around the world. Plus, daytime coffee raves are on trend for twenty-something-year-olds in Barcelona.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russian forces attacked an energy facility in the Chernihiv region overnight, leaving its northern part without power and in some cases without water. Power engineers are working to repair the damage and restore electricity. Also, Emmanuel “Meme” del Real, founding member of the Mexican band Café Tacvba, which redefined Latin rock with humor and experimentation, steps into the spotlight with "La Montaña Encendida" ("The Burning Mountain") — his first solo album. And, National Book Award winner Ha Jin is set to publish a new coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Plus, Italy is celebrating the 50th birthday of Pimpa, the beloved Italian children’s comic character with a penchant for adventure, this year.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Catherine Ledeber, Director at the Andean Information Network, discusses Bolivia's historic election of center-right president Rodrigo Paz after two decades of leftist rule. She explores the significant political shifts and the challenges ahead, including Paz's ambitious economic reforms and immediate risks of unrest from subsidy removals. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of rightward shifts in Latin America and foreign agent laws used to suppress dissent globally. Ledeber's insights present a compelling look at a nation at a crossroads.

Maria Zolkina, Head of Regional Security and Conflict Studies in Kyiv, shares insights on Ukraine's hopes from President Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, emphasizing the crucial need for Tomahawk missiles to pressure Russia. Greet Van Malderen, a wildlife photographer recognized for his work, captures the unique adaptation of Namibia's maritime lions, highlighting their new seal-hunting behaviors and the ecological challenges they face. Together, they discuss high-stakes geopolitics and fascinating wildlife dynamics.

Phil Gunson, a Senior Analyst with the International Crisis Group, analyzes President Trump’s confirmation of CIA operations in Venezuela and the potential for a land attack, explaining the local public’s fear and confusion. Journalist Paul Salopek, a National Geographic Explorer, shares insights from his Out of Eden Walk and highlights the struggles of Shishmaref’s Inupiaq community, facing threats from climate change and the complexities of relocation. Both discussions reveal deep geopolitical and environmental challenges.