The World

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, given his “very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.” Also, campaigns for this year's presidential election in Brazil have begun, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva running against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of his former rival. And, Swiss rivers and lakes are reaching near-record temperatures, risking disruptions to the electricity supply by making hydropower less efficient and by making it impossible to cool nuclear plants. Plus, the Olympic stadium in Athens gets its first deep cleaning in over a century.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

An Afghan activist who ran the last remaining safe house and shelter for abused women in Kabul until it was forced to shutter last December is still doing her best to voice the aspirations of Afghan girls and women; but she’s wondering if it’s now time to leave. Also, a group of female bird guides in Uganda set a global example for the business. And, a city in Thailand that’s taken over by monkeys. Plus, what do the wrinkles on an elephant’s trunk mean?

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israeli settlers have increased their attacks in the occupied West Bank sparking fears of violence spiraling out of control. Also, Europeans gathered in Spain to watch a solar eclipse — the first there in over a century. And, a cafe in Japan that helps procrastinators to get their work done. Plus, a book all about the history of rope.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cali, Colombia, was hit hard by this week's earthquake, and now, a mix of local and regional rescue teams are on the ground trying to find people in the rubble. Also, a look at the origin and uncertain future of Temporary Protected Status in the US. And, a conversation about immigrants dealing with hyphenated identities. Plus, a secret language created by Chinese women hundreds of years ago to share their struggles and dreams with each other.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother were sentenced to death in absentia by a Damascus court today, nearly two years after rebels forced them to seek exile in Russia. Also, at least 179 people have been killed and thousands more remain missing after a massive earthquake in Colombia. And, Europe’s new biometric border system has been causing chaos at some airports across the continent this summer. Plus, a roundup of food stories to celebrate summertime.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices