Hurricane Melissa intensifies as it approaches Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 5 hurricane as it heads towards Jamaica. We look at how, in the age of climate change, storms are becoming wetter, stronger, slower and more destructive. Also, US President Donald Trump is on a weeklong trip to East Asia. And, Ireland elects left-leaning lawmaker Catherine Connolly as its new president, known for her outspoken views on the war in Gaza, NATO and Irish unification. Plus, a small abandoned village in Greenland is seeing a revival.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

China's leadership has announced its latest five-year plan for the future. A lot of details are still unknown, but one of government's big ambitions is to strengthen its domestic tech sector. Also, the case of the Guildford Four is considered one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history; decades later, their families say the fight for accountability is still not over. And, 1 in 3 French university students skips a daily meal regularly, as they struggle with rising housing costs and inflation; now, volunteers are coming to help, with groceries and more. Plus, Cape Verde celebrates qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the US as tensions mount between the two countries over aid cuts and US military strikes in the Caribbean. Also, a British soldier on trial for killing two people on Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland in 1972 has been cleared of all charges; we hear reactions from survivors of the violence that day in Belfast. And, Singapore imposes a levy on all departing flights in an effort to boost funding to develop sustainable aviation fuels. Plus, 10 million crabs travel en masse on Christmas Island as part of an annual spawning ritual.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today, the airport in Khartoum was scheduled to reopen for the first time since the start of the country’s civil war two years ago. But a series of drone strikes near the airport put the kibosh on those plans. Also, Copenhagen's Human Library lends people who volunteer to be “open books" in one-on-one conversations with "readers." These books share a wide range of personal perspectives — from being a trans woman or military veteran to being a police officer or sex worker. And, sleeper trains are making a comeback around the world. Plus, daytime coffee raves are on trend for twenty-something-year-olds in Barcelona.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russian forces attacked an energy facility in the Chernihiv region overnight, leaving its northern part without power and in some cases without water. Power engineers are working to repair the damage and restore electricity. Also, Emmanuel “Meme” del Real, founding member of the Mexican band Café Tacvba, which redefined Latin rock with humor and experimentation, steps into the spotlight with "La Montaña Encendida" ("The Burning Mountain") — his first solo album. And, National Book Award winner Ha Jin is set to publish a new coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Plus, Italy is celebrating the 50th birthday of Pimpa, the beloved Italian children’s comic character with a penchant for adventure, this year.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Bolivians have elected a center-right candidate, Rodrigo Paz, as their new president, ending 20 years of leftist political leadership. Paz’s victory puts the 12-million-strong nation on a notably uncertain path as he attempts to implement significant changes for the first time since 2005. Also, authoritarian governments are increasingly using ‘foreign agent’ laws to intimidate and silence civil society groups and journalists. And, a new study reports that cancer rates in Lebanon are rising faster than anywhere else in the world. Plus,  Hindus worldwide are celebrating Diwali today. The festival of lights involves oil lamps, fireworks ... and a bit of friendly gambling.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting the White House for his third visit since US President Donald Trump returned to office. While Zelenskyy hopes for stepped-up US support in the form of Tomahawk missiles, Trump's newly announced second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin could complicate matters. Also, Israelis are cheering the return of 20 living hostages, and the potential remains of another 28, but the deal will not bring relief to the relatives of those whose bodies cannot be found. And, a small population of desert lions in Namibia become the only maritime lions in the world. Plus, musicians battle for glory at the legendary International Chopin Piano Competition in Poland.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela, adding that the White House is weighing the possibility of a land attack on the country. Also, staff members at a prestigious opera house in Venice, Italy, are going on strike to protest the incoming conductor, saying she lacks the experience needed for the role. And, Doctors Without Borders shutters its emergency care center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid a surge in violence. Plus, 130 years later, The British Library reinstates playwright and author Oscar Wilde’s library card.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza goes into effect, there have also been gun battles inside the Gaza Strip between Hamas and rival groups. Also, Kenyans mourn the death of key opposition leader Raila Odinga. And, a town in Nigeria celebrates its annual World Twins Festival. Plus, a growing industry that allows pets to fly in the cabin in style with their owners.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Truckloads of aid are entering Gaza, but the long-promised surge in deliveries has yet to materialize. Israeli officials say the Rafah border crossing will remain closed until the bodies of all slain hostages are returned. Also, clashes have escalated between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. And, a discussion with an investigative journalist about a financial fraud case linked to Russia. Plus, an effort to clean up the ocean and find a way to repurpose abandoned fishing gear.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices