European soccer threatens to boycott FIFA competitions

The UN’s Human Rights office has warned that Israeli settler violence in the West Bank is at an “all-time high.” Also, the US now controls much of Venezuela’s oil revenue, estimated at $13 billion in the first half of this year, but neither Washington nor Caracas have provided a full account of where the money has gone. And, Asia's soccer federation joined its European and North American counterparts in opposing FIFA's proposed privatization of the World Cup. Plus, a look at how AI is hijacking the identities of real musicians. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

UEFA — the European soccer governing body — says its 55 teams will sit out all FIFA competitions for as long as a plan to allow investors to buy 20% of the organization remains in place. Also, lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity — thanks to their high quality, low cost and ethical considerations — upending the market for natural, mined diamonds. And, China begins mass producing electric vehicles with sodium-ion batteries, widely considered more sustainable and accessible than the standard lithium-ion batteries. Plus, we take a listen to an era of Egyptian disco music. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Members of a group known as the “Justice-Seeking Mothers” all have loved ones who were killed by the Iranian security forces during anti-government protests. They hold regular meetings and are united by the goal of keeping their children's stories alive. Also, Venezuela announces its plans to withdraw from the ICC. And, an investigation finds that an AI program in Canada that claims it can predict prisoners’ behaviors is meting out harsher conditions for Black inmates. Plus, a look at the fate of the beloved moped in Italy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for talks today with US President Donald Trump, facing growing differences with the US over the war with Iran and Mideast strategy. Also, tigers have rebounded, especially in Nepal, but as the government prepares to release the latest tiger numbers, the challenge is figuring out how people and predators can share the same landscape. And, the French army’s 8th Signal Regiment is breeding the continent’s last military carrier pigeons. Plus, scientists have reported more frequent sighting of "supergroups" of humpback whales off the coast of South Africa. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For the first time, Spain has issued a state of emergency and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in France as wildfires rage across western Europe. Also, Britain's National Crime Agency says one of the country's biggest cybersecurity threats is the rise of teenage hackers. And, a look at former Nepalese aid workers who have had to turn to sex work amid the fallout from US aid cuts. Plus, we take a listen to the music of young Algerian guitarist Fati Tiniri Tam. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

India is seeing a new wave of anti-government protests inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy discusses what the movement reveals about the country's political moment. Also, member states of the ICC have voted to remove its chief prosecutor Karim Khan. And, the US moves a considerable amount of military assets near the Middle East. Plus, an update on the “Mackerel Wars.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are hiking oil prices. Also, two of OpenAI's agents teamed up in a surprise move to hack into a different company's digital library during a test when the AI models were supposed to be cut off from the internet. And, a look at the role of salmon in human migration to North America. Plus, a new establishment in Tokyo aims to teach foreigners about Japanese bar culture. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US President Donald Trump has approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that would expand cooperation on nuclear energy, despite its leader suggesting it would build nuclear weapons if necessary. Also, residents of southern Iran say they're living in constant fear of further attacks while struggling to access basic necessities. And, Germany is set to ban alcohol from its national railway platforms and stations. Plus, a new UN report finds the number of people globally experiencing hunger dropped in 2025 compared to the year before. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

To mark the 47th anniversary of the toppling of Nicaragua’s dictatorship, President Daniel Ortega announced the country will no longer hold elections. Also, days after an ICE agent shot and killed 25-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine, his death is reverberating across the US and his native Colombia. And, a British amateur genealogist is tracking down and publishing into an online archive the stories of people who were enslaved on the former British colony of Grenada. Plus, digging for vinyl in Tijuana. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

While Iran and the US continued to trade attacks for an eighth consecutive night, Gulf states have had to defend themselves from Iranian drones and missiles in recent days. Also, views from Spain and Argentina as Spain celebrates its second World Cup championship title. And, protests continue in the Indian capital as the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party marches on Parliament to demand the education minister’s resignation. Plus, the new “Freedom Needs a Soundtrack” podcast tells the story of how the Tibetan Freedom Concerts began, what they achieved and what their legacy is. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices