Fires threaten ancient forests in drought-stricken Iran

Fires in drought-stricken Iran are threatening ancient forests that are home to endangered species. Also, Ireland considers making a program permanent that would provide a stable income for artists. And, we bring you updates on the outcome of the UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil. Plus, a look at the origins of apples in Central Asia.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This year's COP30 summit in Brazil has highlighted food, forests and land as key topics. One sector that spreads across all of these is agriculture, and it’s responsible for about one-third of global carbon emissions. Also, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces just as the only major nuclear agreement, between the US and Russia, is set to expire next year. And, a conversation with former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin who was the youngest elected world leader when she was in office. Plus, a new initiative that guides Asian American teens and young adults help each other cope with stress.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A look at a 28-point framework to end the war in Ukraine, secretly drafted by the US and Russia in Miami last month without Ukrainian officials at the table. Also, representatives of more than a dozen Caribbean nations are in the UK this week to promote reparations for slavery and the mistreatment of Indigenous people in former colonies. And, the US plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that has the Kingdom’s neighbors in the region worried. Plus, paintings breaking records at Sotheby's art auctions.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Trump administration is moving to label Venezuela’s “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization, but some experts say the label doesn’t fit. Also, a new study examines the extent of damage being done by excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. And, an update on conditions on the ground for Palestinians in Gaza. Plus, rapper Eminem sues a beach accessory brand for choosing a name too close to his own alter ego, Slim Shady.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman met with US President Donald Trump today, visiting the White House for the first time in seven years. Also, Peru tries to reduce the toxic use of mercury in small-scale gold mining. And, a research project in the UK hopes to fast track the hunt for new antibiotics by using artificial intelligence. Plus, could cross country runners, who don’t race on snow or ice, compete in the Winter Olympics?Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

China is making huge investments in eco-friendly technology and is quickly becoming the biggest source of renewable exports around the globe. Also, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentences ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death over deadly crackdowns on a student-led uprising last year. And, Equal Pay Day draws attention to the wage gap between men and women in Europe. Plus, a new study finds that the average human spends 78 minutes a day on the move.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sudan's civil war is escalating as the paramilitary RSF group, which now controls the Darfur region, escalates its attacks and turns its focus east, amid a growing humanitarian crisis. Also, Chileans head to the polls on Sunday to elect their next president and Congress in a first-round vote where security is front of mind. And, the Deaflympic Games kick off in Tokyo this weekend. Plus, a woman conducts the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in a rare performance.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Exactly a decade ago, 10 ISIS gunmen opened fire on people across Paris, killing 130 and wounding hundreds more. Ten years on, survivors are slowly rebuilding their lives and attending ceremonies for the victims. Also, Japan and China exchange heated rhetoric over Taiwan. And, as Jakarta continues to sink below sea level, Indonesia is building a new futuristic eco-capital. Also, Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon as it demands that Hezbollah disarm. Plus, a flamingo named Frankie escapes  a wildlife sanctuary and flies to freedom.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As the largest US warship sails into the Caribbean, Venezuela announces a "massive mobilization" of its land, air, naval and reserve forces. Also, the Swedish government is proposing a measure that would lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 after two Swedish teenagers were arrested last year for throwing hand grenades at the Israeli embassy in Denmark. And, a key architect of the Paris Agreement reflects on this year’s COP30 meeting in Brazil. Plus, a Hungarian man spent 144 hours dancing to the "Dance Dance Revolution" music video game to make the Guinness Book of World Records.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

More than 20 miles of gigantic wall, out in the ocean, are hoping to defend Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and Southeast Asia's biggest mega-city, from rising seawater. Also, US foreign direct investment in Africa has surpassed China's for the first time since 2012. And, New Delhi and Islamabad were both hit with bombs, killing at least 20 people between them, and both Indian and Pakistani officials are trying to find out the exact cause of the explosions. Plus, the genre-bending American band Deerhoof releases its first single, “Immigrant Songs,” a playful take on a serious issue.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices