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Rob Schmitz Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin.
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Rob Schmitz

Wednesday

The Spanish tennis pipeline that's produced Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand against Taro Daniel of Japan during a Second Round Match at the 2023 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2023 in Paris, France. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images hide caption

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Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sports

The Spanish tennis pipeline that's produced Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

One of the greatest tennis players, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, isn't at this year's French Open. But world #1 Carlos Alcaraz, also of Spain, is dominating. What is it about the Spanish tennis pipeline?

The Spanish tennis pipeline that's produced Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

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Tuesday

Europe

A beluga whale — a suspected Russian spy — has reappeared after four years

A Beluga whale, allegedly a Russian spy, has reappeared in Sweden after a four year absence.

A beluga whale — a suspected Russian spy — has reappeared after four years

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Wednesday

Sports

Vini Jr. calls out Spain's soccer league after the latest racist taunts against him

Racism against a top soccer player has roiled the world of Spanish soccer. Vinicius Jr. plays for Real Madrid and has been at the receiving end of repeated abuse from fans of rival teams.

Vini Jr. calls out Spain's soccer league after the latest racist taunts against him

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Wednesday

China dominates the solar power industry. The EU wants to change that

Newly installed solar panels face the sky at the construction site of a new solar energy park as wind turbines spin behind last month near Prenzlau, Germany. Sean Gallup/Getty Images hide caption

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Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Energy

China dominates the solar power industry. The EU wants to change that

Germany was a pioneer in the solar power industry, but succumbed to competition from China. Now, Germany — and the European Union — are trying to revitalize the industry once again.

China dominates the solar power industry. The EU wants to change that

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Tuesday

All Things Considered

5 men are sentenced to prison for their brazen $123 million jewel heist

Five men have been sentenced in what has been called the most spectacular jewel heist in German history. A crime family network made off with $123 million worth of jewels from the largest treasure collection in Europe.

5 men are sentenced to prison for their brazen $123 million jewel heist

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Wednesday

Tuesday

Europe

Germany aims to revive its solar power industry which was booming a decade ago

German solar panel manufacturers are working with lawmakers to rejuvenate the industry in Europe. They are seeking to counter China's dominance of the industry with tax incentives and legislation.

Germany aims to revive its solar power industry which was booming a decade ago

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Monday

Europe

Workers across Germany's transportation system are on a 1-day strike

Tens of thousands of German rail workers are on strike over wages and investment in the Deutsche Bahn rail company. Significant disruptions are expected for train, bus and air travel.

Workers across Germany's transportation system are on a 1-day strike

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Friday

Europe

Credit Suisse was once a Swiss national treasure. Now it's a cautionary tale

The history of Credit Suisse was enmeshed with Swiss history, and the bank long considered a national treasure with a great reputation. Last week, it was bought by rival UBS.

Credit Suisse was once a Swiss national treasure. Now it's a cautionary tale

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Tuesday

Europe

Germany might ask drivers to pump the brakes on the Autobahn

The country is considering putting speed limits on its highway network — and the move is leading to some soul searching.

Germany might ask drivers to pump the brakes on the Autobahn

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Monday

First Republic Bank shares sink to another record low, but stock markets are calmer

The First Republic Bank sign is shown in Oakland, Calif., in front of one of the lender's offices on March 16, 2023. First Republic shares continued to fall on Monday amid concerns about its financial health. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Business

First Republic Bank shares sink to another record low, but stock markets are calmer

Shares in the midsized lender continued to tumble as fears grow about First Republic's financial health grow even after it received a $30 billion lifeline from its bigger rivals last week.

Business

Swiss bank UBS will take over its competitor Credit Suisse for more than $3 billion

The deal was brokered by the Swiss government to try to contain a crisis of confidence in global financial markets.

Swiss bank UBS will take over its competitor Credit Suisse for more than $3 billion

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Friday

Turkey says it will ratify Finland's bid to join NATO

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Finland's President Sauli Niinisto shake hands during a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, on Friday. Burhan Ozbilici/AP hide caption

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Burhan Ozbilici/AP

World

Turkey says it will ratify Finland's bid to join NATO

"NATO will become stronger with Finland's membership and thus, I believe, will play an active role in maintaining global security and stability," Turkey's president said Friday.

Thursday

Wednesday

Stocks drop as fears grow about the global banking system

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City on Tuesday. Stocks tumbled on Wednesday amid fears that worries about the banking system were widening to other parts of the world. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Business

Stocks drop as fears grow about the global banking system

A drop in shares of European lender Credit Suisse sparked fears that banking turmoil is spreading around the world.

Stocks drop as fears grow about the global banking system

Listen · 5:56
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