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Chinese President Xi Jinping is wrapping up a tour this week of Southeast Asia where he has been selling the idea of China as a force for economic stability and prosperity. He has also criticized President Donald Trump's trade policies as destructive to the global economy. We'll look at how that message is being received. Also, Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in the the electric vehicle industry in preparation for a post-oil future. And, the legacy of Indigenous runner Tom Longboat lives on at this year's Boston Marathon, which kicks off on Monday.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
As Haiti celebrates 200 years of independence from France, Thursday marks a particularly fraught anniversary. On April 17, 1825, Haiti and France signed the Indemnity Agreement, requiring Haiti to pay France to compensate slave-owning colonists for Haitians' freedom. Now, Haitian activists want their money back. Also, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is headed to Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. And, Canada's new professional women's soccer league just kicked off its first season.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A federal court in Denver has found a former member of Gambia's military guilty of torturing five people accused of involvement in a failed coup against the West African country in 2006. This constitutes a rare prosecution in the United States for torture committed abroad. Also, the UK's Supreme Court passed a ruling on the meaning of the word "woman" as used in the country's Equality Act from 2010. In a unanimous decision, the court said that "woman" refers to people assigned the female gender at birth, and does not extend to transgender women. Critics of the decision say it marks a "huge blow" to the rights of trans people across the country. Also, more than 1,000 Israeli spies and soldiers, past and present, have petitioned their government to cease military actions in Gaza. And, Sweden's annual tradition of watching the migration of moose on TV.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Tuesday marks two years since civil war broke out in Sudan. Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has created an immense humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced, and hundreds of thousands facing famine. A look at how things reached this point in Sudan, and where the country is headed. Also, Mexican border cities like Tijuana are emptying out as migrants give up trying to enter the US. And, the Ghanaian government is reforming the country's gold export market.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez becomes the de facto trade representative for much of Europe, on a visit to China. And white storks arrive in Europe every spring, and they're starting to arrive earlier. Experts say that's because of climate change. Plus, why historic homes in Iran are being turned into boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The US and Russia carried out a prisoner swap earlier today, resulting in the release of US citizen Ksenia Karelina. Also, hippos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are dying of a surprising cause: anthrax. And, a look into the struggle to get aid into earthquake-devastated Myanmar. Plus, a Japanese town is using trading cards inspired by Pokémon to build connection between generations. Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
President Donald Trump has paused his sweeping new tariffs, with one exception: those levied on China. Beijing is retaliating by hitting US goods back. How Chinese leadership sees the escalating trade war. Also, how new banana products could help transform agriculture in Uganda. And what exactly makes Jamaican rum Jamaican?Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The Palestinian Red Crescent is demanding an international investigation into the Israeli attack last month on a convoy of ambulances and emergency workers in southern Gaza that killed 15 people. Also, Sussex University in the UK is offering a new degree called Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development. And, the US and DRC close in on a new minerals deal. Plus, a look at how collaboration in space is still possible amid geopolitical tensions.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Heavy US tariffs against much of the world will kick in on Tuesday at midnight. Few will be hit has hard as Cambodia — where nearly a third of the country's economy is generated by selling goods to Americans — as Cambodian exports to the US are set to face a 49% tariff. Also, Doctors Without Borders reports that 1/5 of all primary care visits in Gaza deal with illness caused by a lack of access to clean water as the enclave faces acute water shortages amid an Israeli blockade. And, the Ivory Coast bans wigs for this year's national beauty pageant in favor of natural hair styles. Plus, British Bengali musician Tara Lily's debut album is inspired by the ocean waves of Goa and nightlife in Mumbai.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously voted to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office. This after months of deliberation following Yoon's declaration of martial law. But although the court has made its decision, experts say the turmoil and political polarization that have erupted in South Korea over the last few months, aren't going anywhere. Also, in Ghana, a meningitis outbreak is ravaging communities, partly because the new strain is particularly dangerous, and partly due to societal obstacles, like misinformation and infrastructure woes. And, the international basketball players who are advancing to the March Madness tournament's semifinals.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sweeping new tariffs on imports to the US amount to a tectonic shift in trade policy, one that critics say undermines norms around globalization that delivered prosperity to the US and its trading partners. Also, Hungary has begun proceedings to leave the International Criminal Court. And, a huge chunk of ice broke off of Antarctica, revealing a thriving ecosystem in the waters underneath.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The ceasefire which had halted fighting between Israel and Hamas for two months seems long ago and far away. On Wednesday, Israel announced a major expansion of its military advance in Gaza, vowing to seize ‘large areas' of land and displace residents. Also, President Donald Trump is trying to initiate talks with Iran about the country's nuclear program, but his goals for the talks have not been specified. Iran has agreed to negotiate indirectly with the US. This, after Trump pulled the US out of a previous agreement with Iran during his first term. Also, the role of military chaplains in Ukraine's war effort. And, Bhutan's unique approach to separation of church and state.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
As Myanmar ramps up its response to the earthquake that struck last week, those efforts are being complicated by the country's civil war. The military government has been blocking emergency aid from entering areas controlled by armed resistance movements. That's leaving earthquake-stricken areas deprived of doctors, medicine, and bare necessities like food and water. Also, South Korea is reckoning with the dark past of its international adoption system. And, a visit to Africa's only Bahai temple.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
In Myanmar, the official death toll continues to climb three days after a devastating earthquake, but still reflects only a fraction of the number of deaths estimated by the United States Geological Survey. The challenges are now compounded by the country's civil war, as government forces launch air strikes against resistance fighters near the epicenter of the quake. Also, French far-right politician Marine Le Pen has been convicted of embezzlement, and barred from seeking public office for five years. And, we look at results from the weekend's Figure Skating World Championships.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand today, killing dozens of people in both countries. Also, former US ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discusses the implications of the world's shifting geopolitical situation. And, Israel strikes southern Beirut in Lebanon saying it targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility. Plus, a new borrowed word in the Oxford English Dictionary that describes a feeling so intense you can't help but have a physical reaction to it.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
South Korea is fighting the largest forest fires in the country's history. Emergency crews and volunteers in the dry and windy southeast region are working to put out the flames and help evacuate residents. Also, forecasts for international tourism show that numbers are down sharply for travel to the US amid souring international opinions and ramped-up immigration enforcement. And, the UK climate activist group Just Stop Oil says it's ceasing its disruptive protests. Plus, singer and storyteller Kaito Winse of Burkina Faso releases a new EP, “Reele Bombou.”Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza held spontaneous protests against Hamas and called for an end to the war. Also, for decades, Europe has leaned on the US for security, but there are growing calls for the bloc to be more militarily self-sufficient — an ambitious goal that not all EU leaders agree on. And, it's been 10 years since the start of the Saudi-led airstrike campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. Plus, China-based Mixue Bingcheng is set to surpass McDonald's as the world's largest fast food chain.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Increasingly brazen armed gangs are taking control of most of the roads leading into and out of Port-au-Prince, as control slips away from Haitian police and Kenyan-led multinational forces. Also, a court in Tokyo has ordered the once-powerful Unification Church in Japan to be dissolved in a case against the religious group that goes back to the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. And, the beating and arrest of Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning film “No Other Land” highlights the blurred lines between Israeli settlers and the Israel Defense Forces. Plus, Chile's Indigenous Mapuche people use an ancestral sport to help protect and revive their culture, customs and language.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A presidential primary organized by the party of jailed Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, galvanizes millions of voters across Turkey. Also, Costa Ricans are being asked to help pick coffee beans amid a labor shortage in their country, as Nicaraguan migrant farmers stay home over the risks of crossing the border. And, a new graphic cookbook — complete with recipes and comic book-style illustrations — tells the backstories of the unique names behind some Chinese dishes. Plus, for a few days starting this weekend, Saturn's iconic rings will vanish from Earth's point of view — a phenomenon that occurs every 15 years.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Heathrow, one of the world's largest airports, has shut down after a fire broke out Thursday night at an electric substation, effectively knocking out the airport's power. We hear about the potential causes behind the fire at the substation and how vulnerable airports are to these kinds of incidents. Also, in Sudan, pro-government troops have retaken control of the presidential palace in Khartoum. The palace was previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who say the battle is not over yet. This would be a major symbolic victory for the Sudanese military, if the palace takeover is confirmed. Also, the effort to return political pluralism to Poland's federal government. And, the American doughnut shops with roots in Cambodia.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested last week by the International Criminal Court. That makes him the ICC's highest-profile prisoner ever. While in office, he spearheaded a so-called "war on drugs" that killed up to 30,000 people. The relatives of the victims are now ready to face Duterte in court. Also, a look at the end of the ceasefire in Gaza and renewed hostilities between Israel and Hamas. And, Namibia is inaugurating its first female president this week.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
In Turkey, a political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been detained. The mayor of Istanbul was arrested during a raid on his home, and accused of corruption and assisting a Kurdish militant group in the country's south. Press conferences and demonstrations have been banned in the country for four days. Also, the ongoing impact of Voice of America in former Soviet republics in central Asia. And, March Madness is here — we have a look at a Ukrainian player making an impact on Notre Dame's women's basketball team.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Israel launched a series of attacks in Gaza overnight. Palestinian health officials say more than 400 people were killed in the strikes, one of the highest death tolls in a single day since the start of the war. This comes after negotiations involving Israel and Hamas failed to reach a deal to release the remaining hostages and maintain the ceasefire. Also, the ongoing efforts to deal with the environmental impact of Agent Orange in Vietnam. And, a visit to a fertility temple in Bhutan.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A nightclub in North Macedonia caught fire over the weekend, killing 59 people and injuring more than 150 more. Authorities have arrested suspects implicated in the deadly blaze. A look at how that fire started, and the ripple effects across the country. Also, how the war in Ukraine has had an impact on Jewish life in the country. And, we meet a man entertaining North Koreans with magic tricks.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The price of one ounce of gold has hit a new record: $3,000. This comes as the stock market faces a lot of volatility amid international trade wars and inflation. Also, a ceasefire between the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkey could have widespread effects on Turkey, Iraq and Syria. And, Norway's team has been barred from the ski jumping world championships being hosted by Oslo over suspected modifications to the team's ski jumpers' suits. Plus, a new bill could bring back bistros to thousands of small French towns.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Many Catholics in Argentina are praying for Pope Francis' recovery — and hoping that he will finally come back his home country on a papal visit. Also, Bangladesh's interim government tries to retrieve money laundered by members of the previous government. And, a new UN report details sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Plus, Donatella Versace steps down after nearly 30 years at the helm of the luxury fashion house started by her brother.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The Trump administration has revoked Chevron's license to pump oil in Venezuela, accusing its president of not making progress on electoral reforms. In response, Venezuela said it will stop receiving deportees from the US. Also, a new abortion clinic opens across from the Polish parliament despite the country's strict abortion ban. And, Syria's interim government signs a deal with the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish militia that controls the northeast. Plus, a London comedy club bans audience members with Botox injections after performers complain about unresponsive faces in the crowd.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Following eight hours of negotiations in Saudi Arabia today, the US and Ukraine say that Kyiv will accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Washington also pledged to lift a freeze on intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine. Also, former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was detained on an ICC arrest warrant and will likely stand trial for crimes against humanity. And, the Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for a train highjacking involving more than 400 hostages in Pakistan. Plus, a museum in Finland dedicated to Vladimir Lenin shifts focus amid tensions with Russia.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Approximately a thousand people are estimated to have been killed in Syria's coastal region after violence that followed an attack on government forces last week. Since then, members of Syria's Alawite community have been attacked and killed. Also, economist and politician Mark Carney is named Canada's new prime minister. And, many immigrants now fear sharing their stories in the United States. Plus, Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, has the longest — and highest — cable car system in the world.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Russian state television used to portray the US as the Kremlin's biggest adversary. But since President Donald Trump's return to the White House, state-controlled media outlets in Russia are changing their tune. Also, the race between China and Japan to build the fastest bullet train. And, a cross-cultural collaboration between two jazz greats, one from the United States, the other from Brazil. Esperanza Spalding and Milton Nascimento.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Syria's new government is reportedly working with Russia as it rebuilds. It's a surprising turn of events because Russia formerly allied itself with the Assad regime, which the current government toppled. Also, Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of a ceasefire deal reached in January. The future of the deal is now uncertain. Meanwhile, the flow of humanitarian aid that many Palestinians are depending on has been cut off. Also, large numbers of Venezuelan migrants were trying to enter the US from Mexico. Now, many of them are returning to their home country instead. And, young adults are so miserable that they're altering what we know as the traditional pattern of happiness.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Cooperation, respect and strategic interdependence have long characterized the US-Canada relationship. Now, in a matter of weeks, that mutual friendliness has been jeopardized by a trade war and increasing threats from President Donald Trump about annexing Canada. Also, in Turkey, the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, has announced a ceasefire. What the ceasefire means for security in the region. Also, Bhutan is leaning on bitcoin mining to power a much-needed economic recovery. And, astronomers are sounding the alarm about the impact of a planned renewable energy plant in Chile's Atacama desert. The area is home to some of the most-advanced observatories on Earth because of the unmatched darkness of the night sky. Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on the United States' top three trading partners, Canada, Mexico and China. China's response came fast, during a week of meetings in Beijing, to set the country's policy agenda for the next year. Also, some European countries prepare for a possible breakup with the US after 80 years of trans-Atlantic cooperation. Plus, Iraq conducted its first census in nearly 40 years: what the data revealed. And families in Valencia, Spain, are getting help from scientists to salvage family photos lost in last fall's flooding.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Ukrainians are showing support to their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a deterioration of diplomacy at the White House on Friday. And Mexico argues that US gun companies are partially responsible for gun trafficking in Mexico. The case has gone all the way to the US Supreme Court. Plus, in the UK, the youngest-ever person to give a speech in the House of Commons makes a case for his community, the remote island of Tristan da Cunha, off the coast of Capetown, South Africa.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
President Donald Trump met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, who was set sign a deal allowing the US access to rare earth metals in exchange for military support. But the cordial conversation soon devolved into a shouting match. Also, the Greek capital saw massive demonstrations hit fever pitch as protesters clashed with police outside of parliament on the second anniversary of a deadly train crash that killed dozens of people. And, Japan grapples with a law that has traditionally required married couples to have the same last name. Plus, a look at the unique art of glass engraving by hand in Spain that may soon disappear.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Although Israeli leaders say they're sending a negotiating team to Cairo, Egypt, both Israel and Hamas are wary about the second phase of a ceasefire deal. The first phase of the fragile truce is set to expire on Saturday. Also, 11 years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished over the Indian Ocean, Malaysian officials say the missing plane could be found before the next anniversary. And, the founder and leader of the PKK has called on the group to lay down its arms — potentially ending a 40-year insurgency. Plus, a former member of the Yakuza organized crime syndicate is now a Christian preacher.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Send us a textRight after one of your co-hosts was at death's door, we're back and talking 1990's Ghost! Is a dead Patrick Swayze better than a live anybody? Is a short-haired Demi Moore better than a long-haired anyone? Is Tony Goldwyn? We answer all these questions and more, and even try to talk about our awful punishment film, the not so gnarly 1990 non-comedic flop, Ghost Dad. It's time for Filmshake, the 90s Movies Podcast!Music Heard this Episode"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers"Molly" by Maurice Jarre"Unchained Melody (Orchestral) by Maurice JarreIntro music - "If" by Broke For FreeConnect with us!PatreonTwitterFacebookEmailLinktr.eeLetterboxd - Nic & JordanThe Nicsperiment
The US and Ukraine are planning to work together to develop Ukraine's mineral, oil and gas resources. Also, the Israeli military has conducted strikes in southern Syria as Syrians work through their political transition period. And, development and the elements are unearthing some of the first mummies in the world in Chile. Plus, Japanese youth turn to some unconventional dating methods.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
With a new administration at the helm, the US voted yesterday against a UNGA resolution blaming Russia for the war in Ukraine. Also, hundreds of Syrians from diverse ethnic and minority communities gathered this week in Damascus for a national dialogue conference to chart the country's political transition. And, mixed reactions in Russia over Oscar-nominated film “Anora.” Plus, “listening lounges” are music bars in Japan that aim to maximize the audio experience.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Leaders from around the world are visiting Kyiv to mark three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also, Israeli troops have sent tanks into West Bank cities and towns as Palestinians flee their homes in search of safety from shelling and violence. And, Turkey is exporting eggs to the US amid a shortage and skyrocketing prices caused by the spread of bird flu. Plus, Venezuelan comedians and satirists find humor while in exile.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The earthquake in Haiti in 2010 devastated the island and renewed Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants to the United States. Those protections have been extended in light of the extraordinary gang violence that has overtaken Haiti in recent years. The Trump administration has decided to TPS for Haitians early, at the end of summer 2025. We hear about what this means for Haitians in the US, and what it means for US foreign policy and security in the long run. Also, Germany's stagnant economy and heated rows over immigration policy have dominated this month's election campaign. Germany heads to the polls on Sunday with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's (SPD) party trailing in third place. Many eyes will be on how the far right fares on Sunday while voters in Berlin say they just want a government that can get the economy back on track. And, origami is the art of folding paper into basically any design you can imagine, from cranes and paper planes to fiery dragons. The ancient art can be traced back to Japan from thousands of years ago and has since spread across the globe. Origami's evolution continues, though, as STEM experts see how it can be used to solve real-life problems.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Hamas and Israel continued their prisoner-for-hostage exchanges as part of the ceasefire deal in Gaza, but on Thursday, the hostages released to Israel were already dead. Hamas claims they were killed by Israeli airstrikes while they were in captivity, which Israeli officials have not denied. The occasion was a somber shift in tone for the hostage releases, which are usually days of relief and celebration in Israel. Also, on Wednesday, in Paris, European leaders held another round of emergency talks focused on how to bolster the continent's defense capabilities and support Ukraine's fight against Russia. The continent is worried about how to defend itself in a world with fewer security guarantees from NATO ally the US. Also, a German court rules that Birkenstocks are not art that can be copyrighted. Hear about the history and aesthetic of the beloved, ugly, centuries-old German footwear. And, the story of the Latvian film "Flow," about animals banding together to survive a flood, which is up for an Oscar.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been charged for alleged involvement in a coup plot following his 2022 election defeat. The allegations include plans to murder his opponent Lula da Silva, the current president. These are the first criminal charges faced by Bolsonaro, who is already banned from running in the country's upcoming presidential election. Also, authorities in the Philippines have come up with a creative way to combat the mosquito-borne illness dengue. They've put a bounty on the heads of mosquitos to encourage locals to collect the insects and their larvae. And, in most so-called megacities with populations over 10 million people, traffic is a megaproblem. And so is the air population. But Tokyo, with a population of 37 million, bucks that trend, thanks to a massive web of public transit that keeps cars off the road. Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The US and Russia met on Tuesday for the first time in Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations on the future of Ukraine. The two sides agreed to set up teams that will hammer out an agreement. Ukrainian and European leaders are not happy about being left out. Also, in the wake of yet another airline disaster, many are wondering whether air travel is more dangerous than in the past or if we're just hearing about crashes more often than we used to. A Delta flight flipped over on Monday after landing in Toronto. And, after World War II, center-right parties in Germany formed a solid buffer against extremist parties, refusing to cooperate with them. Up until now, that buffer seemed to hold. But a gamble from Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, to accept the votes of far-right lawmakers to try and pass his hard-line immigration laws, has led many to say he has broken the firewall.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
European leaders and Trump administration officials are attending the Munich Security Summit over the weekend. We'll have the latest on what was discussed, and how it might effect the war in Ukraine." Also, as we continue a deep dive into Ukraine news, we reflect on the "Maidan Revolution," as it's been called, which was a protest against a Russia-installed leader of Ukraine. Many people, especially younger Ukrainians, wanted the country to lean toward the West, not Russia. And, in Ukraine, musician Svyatoslav Vakarchuk is a living legend. But few of his songs have had as much meaning or poignancy as "Chovan," which describes the country on both sides of the Dnipro River. As The World's hosts explain, while the bridge over that river has been destroyed, the spiritual bridge that connects all Ukrainians remains firmly intact. Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Rafik Hariri was a charismatic Lebanese prime minister who oversaw an era of relative economic and political stability until his assassination. Amal Mudallali was Rafik Hariri's foreign policy adviser and more recently a permanent representative to the UN for Lebanon, who spoke about Hariri's legacy and the opportunity Lebanon is now confronted with. Also, Australia has passed tough anti-hate laws, with mandatory jail time for giving the Nazi salute in public. It's part of an effort to combat a wave of anti-semitism in the country.Also, as controversy continues around South Korea's impeached president, a look at the anti-feminist platform that brought him to power, and the state of feminism in South Korea today. And, Chile's biggest carnival is kicking off at full speed on Friday. As many as 150,000 people have traveled to the northern Chilean town of Arica to participate. Our reporter takes us there.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have signaled a dramatic shift in the US approach to Russia, Ukraine, and the NATO alliance. Where does that leave Europe? Also, the latest craze in cryptocurrency is using memes to bring attention to specific coins. They're called meme coins, and they're risky, because they're backed by nothing but internet attention. Now, one of the world's poorest countries has become the first to launch a national meme coin. The Central African Republic's president launched it on X, and it's been a wild ride ever since. And, in Spain, the trial of former women's national team coach Luis Rubiales comes to an end; Rubiales is accused of sexual aggression for a victory kiss that player Jennifer Hermoso says was not consensual.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The civil war in Sudan has been raging for nearly two years and has displaced an estimated 12 million people. Now, there are reports that the breakaway military faction, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has stormed the Zamzam Refugee Camp in North Darfur, Sudan's largest displacement camp. We hear from an expert who has been monitoring the situation on the ground. Denmark is dismantling immigrant neighborhoods where the government says residents — mostly people from the Middle East — don't share “Danish values.” A law that came into effect six years ago paved the way for the government to kick folks out of public housing, and then entice people who do have Danish values to move in. That is to say: white Danes. The project is sparking vocal criticism throughout Europe. Also, a balancing act in the city of Kyoto: how to preserve the city's spiritual heritage while still benefiting from the heavy tourism it draws. And, Ukrainian journalist and Wall Street Journal correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov stops by The World to discuss his recent novel, as well as the current situation in Ukraine.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
US President Donald Trump meets with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House as Trump's plan to forcibly remove Palestinians in Gaza to Jordan and Egypt is met with regional and global condemnation. Also, the “Vote-o-Mat” helps German voters navigate candidates ahead of parliamentary elections. And, the movie “Emilia Pérez”, which has received 13 Oscar nominations has been mired in controversy and has become unpopular in Mexico. Plus, scientists say the shape of the Earth's core may be changing shape.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
An AI summit in Paris brings together world leaders, scientists and tech executives to discuss the groundbreaking impact of artificial intelligence, with EU nations and India playing “catch-up” to the US and China. Also, Senegal renames its streets that were named after French colonial figures to those of prominent Senegalese. And, Israeli police arrest two Palestinian bookstore owners in occupied East Jerusalem, with Arab and Jewish supporters protesting their detention in front of a Jerusalem court. Plus, conservationists build "sloth bridges" in Costa Rica to keep the animals safe.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices