British PM Starmer 'resets relations' with China despite criticism

A month after US forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, some signs of change have emerged. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has proposed a sweeping amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners, but families and human rights groups remain wary. Also, the son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, has been killed. And, leaders of a fringe ultra-conservative Catholic group, called the Society of St. Pius X, based in Switzerland, say they're going to consecrate new bishops without consent from the Vatican starting this summer. Plus, a reexamination of the Mexican-American war amid a new White House statement. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russia’s massive overnight attack on Ukraine included hundreds of drones and a record 32 ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, troops on the front line say conscripts are having a tough time filling the shoes of more experienced soldiers. Also, Spanish weather forecasters are facing an alarming increase in online attacks for linking extreme weather events to climate change. And, families in Iran search for their missing loved ones after a brutal government crackdown on protesters earlier this month. Plus, an Australian teenager saves his family from being washed out to sea. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt is now open, after being closed for nearly two years. But only small numbers of people are being allowed through, despite thousands of Palestinians in Gaza needing medical care. Also, the story of one woman fighting for her village’s future as rising sea levels force residents along Mexico's Gulf Coast to flee their homes. And, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest player ever to complete a Grand Slam at the Australian Open over the weekend. Plus, "Caetano and Bethania: Live" wins the Grammy for Best Global Music Album. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Keir Starmer is in China this week, marking the first time a British prime minister has visited the country in eight years. UK–China ties have been under strain since Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong and amid allegations of Chinese spying in Britain. Also, understanding the partial return of internet access in Iran. And, a look at US and Israeli pressure on the ICC. Plus, the northern Finnish port city of Oulu becomes one of two European Capitals of Culture in 2026. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cuba could deplete its oil supply in as little as 15 to 20 days, according to the data company Kpler, and residents are worried about what might come next. Also, a look at the experiences, hopes and fears of the Somali community in Minnesota amid ICE raids in their neighborhoods. And, a conversation with armed colectivos in Venezuela. Plus, the value of gold skyrockets against the US dollar. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It began as part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement to stop the war in Gaza. But the "Board of Peace," a brainchild of US President Trump, has morphed into something with more grand ambitions, at least rhetorically. Also, police in Nigeria's largest city fired tear gas on people protesting the ongoing demolition of Makoko, an enormous informal settlement that stretches out into the Lagos Lagoon. And, fighting continues in Syria between Kurdish forces and the central government. Plus, the Most Reverend Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

India and the European Union have signed a massive trade deal that will account for a quarter of the world's GDP. This follows another deal struck by the EU with Latin American countries this month. Also, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants to fast-track residency for hundreds of thousands of immigrants. And, US threats to take control of Greenland have rattled Europe’s far-right leaders, some of President Trump’s staunchest allies. Plus, when space debris enters Earth's atmosphere, some of it ends up at Point Nemo, a remote area of the Pacific with depths of around 13,000 feet. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Analysts are calling it China’s biggest military purge in roughly half a century: President Xi Jinping has placed his second-in-command, China's top general, under investigation. Also, the Israeli government announced today it had found and recovered the remains of the final Israeli hostage. And, seven Japanese American soldiers are being promoted to officer ranks, eight decades after they died fighting for the US. Plus, Japan is without pandas for the first time since 1972! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

About half a million Syrians living in Turkey have returned to Syria — just one in five. Although aid groups estimate many more will follow, it's a difficult decision, and many are wary of Syria's new leader and struggling economy. Also, a stretched polar vortex is bringing severe winter storm conditions to half the continental US, and is causing temperatures to plummet across even more of the northern hemisphere. And, Guinea-Bissau's minister of health announced Thursday that the country was halting a controversial Danish-led, US-funded trial of a hepatitis B vaccine. Plus, a groundbreaking Australian play has come to New York for a few weeks. It's called "The Visitors," and it tells an important piece of Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Iran, some families are still searching morgues for their loved ones. Among those who have found them, some say they have been intimidated and threatened by security forces for holding funerals. Also, Bobi Wine, the leading opposition figure in Uganda’s presidential elections, speaks to The World’s Marco Werman from hiding, one week after Uganda’s longtime president, Yoweri Museveni, was declared the winner of a disputed election. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to appeal for support. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek shares some sticky situations he’s encountered on the Eden Walk. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices