Local newsrooms are struggling to stay alive. Major outlets, including public radio stations, continue to lay-off journalists.While some of those layoffs can be chalked up to the economic impact of the pandemic or private equity firms that buy and shut down newspapers – a lot of it is the online migration of advertising.But what it means for you is fewer reliable sources to tell you what's going on and why. Americans in "news deserts" tend to rely on social media to get the latest on their communities and beyond. But relying on social media for information can be less than awesome.We discuss what can be done to keep Americans looking for news about where they live informed — especially in an election year.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos were children, establishing a legal precedent that will affect reproductive rights in the state.The court argued that the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act "applies to all children, born and unborn, without limitation." The Biden administration is weighing action to make it more difficult for migrants at the southern border to pass initial screenings for asylum and to make it easier for those who don't pass the screening to be deported.In election news, the Biden election campaign continued to amass cash. The president raised $42 million during the month of January. Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden's campaign manager, said the amount was "an indisputable show of strength to start the election year."We cover all this and more during the news roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's been nearly two years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. With Putin's forces making strategic gains in the eastern part of the country, there's increasing international pressure for the U.S. to step up its military aid. America has provided more than $47 billion in support to Ukraine since the war began. But a new package of aid is stalled in Congress. Last week, the Senate passed a foreign aid package that included $61 billion for Ukraine. That was blocked by the Republican-controlled House which insisted it include a border security package. So what does that mean for the war going forward? And how do European allies view the need for American aid?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Three Alabama couples stored frozen embryos at a fertility clinic in the state. A patient wandering around the clinic dropped the embryos, making them unusable. On Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that the couples could sue for wrongful death in an unprecedented decision that means frozen embryos are now considered "children" in the state. The court argued that the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act "applies to all children, born and unborn, without limitation." What does this decision mean for reproductive rights beyond abortion? Also: this week, emotions are running high at the United Nations Security Council. "The veto of this draft resolution is not only regrettable... it is absolutely reckless and dangerous against shielding Israel even as it commits the most shocking crimes," said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations.Those comments came after the United States vetoed an Arab-backed and widely supported U.N. resolution. It demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Where does this leave negotiations now?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Twiddling your thumbs is often associated with wasting time. But feel shame about thumb-twiddling no longer. In a world of calendars and to-do lists, something has got to give. We so often fear doing nothing, missing out, or getting behind. Our smartphones make it increasingly hard to disconnect from the attention economy. But studies show there are benefits to dilly-dallying when it comes to your work and your health. We'll discuss what it takes to reap the benefits of doing absolutely zilch on any given day.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

William Shakespeare once said that the eyes are the window to the soul. We make eye contact with others to show that we're listening, to connect, or simply as a way of saying, "I see you."Cultures around the world have understood the power of eyes for centuries. If you travel to India, Chad, Japan, Iran, or just around the corner from your house, you'll probably see the same thing around the eyes of the people who live there: eyeliner. In her new book, "Eyeliner: A Cultural History," Lebanese-British journalist Zahra Hankir explores beauty, power, identity, and resistance through the lens of the iconic cosmetic. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's been another busy week. Closed-door hearings in the case of the classified documents former President Donald Trump kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate began this week. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon first met with Trump's team and the special counsel's prosecutors on Monday.Meanwhile, America's political turmoil surrounding the 2024 presidential election is hot conversation at the Munich Security Conference. Former President Trump's remarks last week suggesting he wouldn't come to the aid of Europe in the event of a Russian invasion are causing concern among U.S, allies.Israel attacked Rafah Sunday evening, killing many Palestinians who had fled to the city to seeking shelter.And in South America, Guyana has accused Venezuela of violating international law in a dispute over a swath of oil-rich territory.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The 2024 Super Bowl was the most watched television event in history with over 123 million viewers. Many eyes watching were trained on Taylor Swift as she made the journey from Tokyo to Las Vegas in a highly scrutinized flight on a private jet.A total of 882 private planes flew into Las Vegas during and just before Super Bowl Sunday. One report found the world's richest 10 percent make up for 50 percent of the global emissions through investments, personal consumptions, and other means.Last week, Swift threatened legal action against a Florida student who's been tracking the jet travel of the rich and famous.We talk about personal responsibility, climate change, the rules for the rich, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What's your love language? Acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, gifts, or quality time?The concept has been around since the early 1990s. Gary Chapman, a Baptist pastor, published a book in 1992 called, "The Five Love Languages: Secrets to Love That Lasts." But new research is debunking the popular love languages theory. And there's little evidence linking it to happier partnerships. For Valentine's Day, we speak with a researcher and relationship experts about what really makes for healthy relationships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Declaration of Independence promises the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.At a time when the language and intent of the Constitution are under intense scrutiny, one legal scholar is particular is out to explore what the founders may have meant when they defined that last part as an inalienable right.Nowadays, most of us think of happiness as something that results from the pursuit of pleasure. But writer and historian Jeffrey Rosen says the Founding Fathers had other ideas.We talk to Rosen, the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, about his latest book, "The Pursuit of Happiness," and what the founders had in mind for our country.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Last week, Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border bill that would send billions in wartime aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other nations. The bill links the GOP requests for stricter immigration policy changes to Democrat requests for foreign aid. It unraveled last week in a surprise turn, but Senate Democrats still hope to push a plan forward.We get into what's at stake for Ukraine without U.S. support and discuss how the southern border has become a leveraging tool for a divided Congress.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In October 1989, a white man named Charles Stuart called 911 in distress, saying a Black man had shot him and his wife, Carol, in their car. Carol died from the wound and police cracked down hard on the predominantly-Black Boston neighborhood of Mission Hill, looking for the killer.It turned out, Charles had committed the crime. He was seen jumping from a bridge not long after he became the police's main suspect.The Boston Globe recently revisited the story in a series of articles and a podcast produced in association with HBO, "Murder in Boston: The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart shooting." An HBO docuseries about the story is also currently streaming on Max.Their investigation revealed new findings about the case that stirred a media and police frenzy, as well as the subsequent backlash.For this installment of Local Spotlight, we speak with the host of the podcast, who is also a longtime reporter on The Boston Globe's staff.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments this week concerning whether former President Donald Trump will be included on the Colorado primary ballot due to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of Hamas' proposed terms for a ceasefire means Egyptian, U.S., and Qatari negotiators are gearing up for another round of negotiations.Ukraine is shaking up its military hierarchy despite having reportedly killed 890 Russian soldiers in in 24 hours this week. A U.S. deal to send aid to Ukraine fell through.Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died in a helicopter crash this week, sending the country he led for two terms into mourning.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A new show is poking fun at, well, us. Peacock's latest, "In the Know" is set in a public radio station. This includes nervous producers on the mic for pledge drives, and NPR's third most popular host, Lauren Caspian.The host is played by Zach Woods, who is best known for his roles in "Silicon Valley" and "The Office." He's now making his directorial debut with "In the Know." It's a stop animation show that includes live-action, unscripted interviews with celebrities like Roxanne Gay, Jonathan Van Ness, and Mike Tyson. We sit down with creator and star Zach Woods to talk all about it.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a

Many people hear the term "psychedelics" and think of hippies, acid, and the music of the 1960s. But it may soon take on a whole different meaning for the U.S. military. Last December, Congress passed legislation that included funding for clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for active-duty service members. And just last month, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will also begin funding psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat veterans with PTSD and depression. This comes at a time when suicide rates amongst active-duty service members are at an all-time high.We dive into what psychedelic-assisted therapy is and the effect it could have on active-duty and veteran mental health. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's American Heart Month.When it comes to heart disease and heart attacks, women commonly face misdiagnoses and delays in receiving care.These medical missteps mean women are twice as likely as men to die after having a heart attack. That's according to the European Society of Cardiology.That's also one of many reasons the CDC says heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. New technological advancements are also helping women have more agency over their heart health. We discuss how women can better understand the risk factors of heart disease. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The U.S. and Britain launched a series of air and missile strikes against Iranian targets over the weekend. The strikes were in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three American service members and wounded 40 others at a base in Jordan last Sunday.The offensive comes at a time when foreign policy is beginning to become more relevant in the 2024 election. The Democratic primary in South Carolina took place this weekend, with President Joe Biden walking away with the win as expected.We discuss foreign policy and its impacts on the election. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

This week, the House passed a bipartisan tax bill that expands the child tax credit and expands tax cuts for businesses. The bill, however, is expected to have to satisfy several demands from Senate Republicans before it makes it to President Joe Biden's desk.Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a dire warning this week, claiming the Middle East is at its most volatile state since the Yom Kippur war between Israel and its neighbors in 1973. He's currently on a trip around the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, meeting with leaders to discuss tensions and relationships in the regions.The director of the CIA also commented on the state of global conflicts. William Burns said Tuesday that cutting off U.S. aid to Ukraine would be a mistake of "historic proportions."The FBI also got in on the action, with Director Christopher Wray revealing that Chinese hackers are getting ready to "wreak havoc and cause real-world harm" to U.S. citizens and institutions.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The popularity of Dry January is part of a larger zero-proof movement here in the U.S. Non-alcoholic sales totaled half a billion dollars in sales as of July 2023. One poll found that 21 percent of adults said they would be cutting back on drinking to begin 2024. Restaurants and bars are offering more mocktails on their menus. Even brands like Guinness and White Claw are adding non-alcoholic options to their lineups.During the first year of the pandemic, alcohol sales saw the largest increase in over 50 years. Is the zero-proof movement a backlash to the boozy pandemic? We take a closer look at non-alcoholic brews and concoctions.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

In the United States, Kratom is sold in its concentrated form, oftentimes in potent capsules or liquid shots. Kratom is a tropical plant with leaves that contain a chemical compound with similar effects to opioids. The Kratom industry is worth roughly $1.5 billion, but unregulated.For this installment of our "Local Spotlight" series, we take a closer look at The Tampa Bay Times investigation into kratom in Florida. Reporters found that more than 580 died from a kratom-involved overdose in Florida the last decade. Most of those deaths involved other substances too, but 46 were due to kratom alone. We discuss what we know about Kratom, its possibilities, dangers and why it's unregulated. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

Are parents criminally responsible if their child commits a mass shooting? That's the question being debated in Oxford, Michigan, where a trial on parental responsibility after a tragic shooting is underway. On Nov. 30, 2021, a 15-year-old student opened fire at Oxford High School in Michigan, killing four students and injuring seven others. The gunman received a life sentence last year. Now, his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, are facing involuntary manslaughter charges.We discuss what accountability looks like when shootings involving minors occur. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

As the curtain falls on the New Hampshire primary, Democrats and Republicans are looking ahead to South Carolina and Super Tuesday. And even though Nevada is next on the calendar, the nomination process there is looking unconventional for Republicans. GOP frontrunner and former President Donald Trump is still facing 91 criminal charges across four different court cases. How are these cases affecting Trump's campaign and the overall GOP strategy? We discuss what we should keep an eye out for during these primary races. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The path to victory for GOP hopefuls not named Donald Trump is growing slimmer. The 45th president walked away winner of both the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire GOP primary. The United Auto Workers union endorsed the campaign of President Joe Biden this week and the president and Vice President Kamala Harris held their first rally in Virginia.Meanwhile, this week talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt remain underway for deal calling for a two-month pause in fighting.Turkey's parliament voted this week to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO. Now, Hungary's government is the last hurdle the Sweden must clear to gain full membership to the bloc.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

If a loved one called you in a panic asking for help—maybe they just got arrested or kidnapped and needed money immediately. What would you do? Here's the thing, the voice on the other end of the line might not be them. It could be AI.Artificial Intelligence is now making it possible to clone someone's voice – and use it to trick family or friends. Scammers are taking advantage of the technology to con panicked loved ones out of hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. AI is also being used to devise more realistic romance scams and AI generated videos, also known as deepfakes. Washington has been watching. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced the No AI Fraud Act this month. The bill would protect Americans' likenesses and voices against AI-generated fakes. We learn more about these scams and what people can do to protect themselves from falling victim.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Think back to your earliest video game memories. As technology changes and video games become increasingly released only on digital, many of the titles you grew up on may be unplayable today.87% of classic video games — those released before 2010 — are in danger of being lost to time. That's according to a study from the Video Game History Foundation. In this edition of Game Mode, our series where we cover video games and the gaming industry, we'll talk about the efforts being made to preserve classic video games.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

When you look up the word "intimate" in the dictionary, there are a few definitions. They include things like warmth, private, sex, personal, and familiarity.Our "Ask A" series returns, this time to talk to intimacy coordinators about their work.Parts of Hollywood production teams have practiced parts of the role for years. But the job itself is still in its youth.We discuss what it takes to do this work and the impact it's had on workspaces so far. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Iowa caucuses are in the rearview mirror. Now, the GOP candidates have their sights set on the Granite State.Former President Donald Trump, who has had a busy month in court facing 91 criminal felony charges, traded jabs with his opponents on the campaign trail in New Hampshire ahead of Tuesday's primary. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the race ahead of the South Carolina primary– where opponent Nikki Haley served six years as governor. Meanwhile, Democrats in New Hampshire will also cast their ballots Tuesday, but President Biden will not be on it. Democrats in New Hampshire who want to cast their vote for Biden will have to write his name in.We discuss what's at stake in New Hampshire for both parties.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

The Biden Administration asks the Supreme Court to intervene in Texas where National Guardsmen are preventing federal agents from accessing a swathe of land that's a popular crossing spot for migrants.A stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded passed. Meanwhile, Pakistan carried out deadly strikes against targets inside Iran, retaliating for attacks by Iran earlier this week that followed similar attacks in Iraq and Syria. Israeli officials disagree over the way forward in Gaza. And Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's vice president, and the candidate put forward by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, won the presidential election in Taiwan.We discuss all this and more during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

In the years since COVID-19 forced schools to move instruction online, we've seen a renewed effort to get kids back into the classroom.Chronic absenteeism has doubled since before the pandemic. Now, more than 14 million kids are chronically absent, according to education advocacy nonprofit Attendance Works.And this is happening as schools grapple with the lowest reading and math test scores in decades. We discuss the trend and what it tells us about what's at stake if we don't get kids back to class.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

If it seems like everyone is sick – it might be the trifecta of viruses circulating the country.Health officials say RSV, flu, and a new strain of COVID are leading to an uptick in respiratory illnesses in most states. And the Centers for Disease Control say JN.1, the latest COVID variant, is spreading quickly.Meanwhile, research on long COVID is telling us more about how the virus can linger in the body as a chronic disease.We discuss the new variant and what we're learning about long COVID.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

The stakes are high in Iowa, as voters head to the polls in record-breaking cold and snow.It's the first contest in the Republican presidential primary. Donald Trump maintains a lead among GOP voters. And according to a new poll, Republican county chairs in Iowa feel the same.We discuss what the results of the Iowa caucus tell us about the right's playing field this election season. We also take a look at what we've learned from the 2020 Democratic caucus.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

Caffeine is the most used psychoactive stimulant across the world. According to the National Coffee Association, 60 percent of Americans drink coffee every day. That's more than any other beverage, including tap water. And 85 percent of people in the U.S. have one caffeinated beverage per day, according to the National Institutes of Health.Coffee and tea aren't the only way to get a caffeine fix anymore. Synthetic caffeine sources are increasingly available through energy drinks and other supplements.For this installment of our In Good Health series, we discuss the good, the bad, and the risky when it comes to our caffeine consumption. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former President Donald Trump warned of unrest and "bedlam" this week following a hearing in an appeals court over his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The former real estate mogul warned that if he were to be found guilty and lose the 2024 election, the potential for violence would skyrocket. Following an incident on an Alaska Airlines flight, the federal government has grounded all Boeing 737-9 MAX jetliners. A door was ripped off the airplane, which the pilots returned safely to the ground. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East. He said this week that the cost of the conflict between Israel and Hamas being paid by the civilians, especially the children, of Gaza is far too high and that Palestinians displaced from their homes must be allowed to return. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said this week that the country is "at war" with drug gangs in Guayaquil, the country's largest city, who are holding prison staff hostage and briefly captured a television station. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Last May, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory addressing the epidemic of "loneliness and isolation."The Surgeon General's advisory underscores the negative impacts that loneliness and isolation have on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.One way to offset the negative impacts of loneliness and isolation can be simply saying hello to your neighbors, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. It's a simple practice — taking as little as seconds to minutes of conversation to get a quick chat in. For this installment of our "Listner Picks" series, we discuss how we can we be a good neighbor in a time of isolation.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Last year, Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) purchased World Wrestling Entertainment, the largest professional wrestling company in the world, for $9.3 billion. The sale is one indication of many of the continued prominence and popularity of professional wrestling. The movie "The Iron Claw," starring an all-star cast of Zac Efron, Lily James, and Jeremy Allen White, opened in theaters in December. It tells the story of the Von Erich brothers, pro-wrestling stars from the 1980s. For this installment of our "Listener Pick" series, we discuss the popularity of professional wrestling in America. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

2024 is the biggest global election year in history. More than 60 countries, representing half the world's population, will head to the polls.And the people vying to be elected will use all manner of tactics to get a leg up on their competitors – including social media bots.Across social media sites, it's estimated that there are billions of bots – which are partially or fully automated social profiles intended to be passed off as humans. These automated accounts are often used to drum up perceived support for political candidates, giving us a false sense of how popular they really are.Social media companies, like Twitter, TikTok, and Meta have come under fire in recent years for not doing enough to stem the spread of disinformation and propaganda on their platforms from such bad actors.Our panel of experts explains how bots warp reality and what we know about the dangerous forces behind them.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Supreme Court said it will hear a case to determine whether former President Donald Trump will appear on Colorado's primary ballot due to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.The original decision is based on language from the Fourteenth Amendment. Maine's secretary of state issued a similar decision. Trump appealed both rulings last week. The court's decision to hear the appeal has major implications for the 2024 election and beyond. The former president also faces a slew of other legal challenges, including four criminal cases and multiple civil suits.We discuss what this means for the country's democracy. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court this week to overturn the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to keep him off the ballot for the 2024 election. He's also appealed a decision by Maine's top election official to do the same.Meanwhile, South Africa has accused Israel of perpetrating a genocide in Gaza in the United Nation's highest court. The case will likely drag on for years as Israeli Defense Forces continue their military campaign against Hamas. Several explosions close to the tomb of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani killed hundreds of people during a ceremony marking the anniversary of his death. Islamic State has claimed responsibility. As tensions in the Middle East rise, analysts fear a widening regional conflict. And ahead of elections in his country this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised to intensify attacks against his military targets in Ukraine. We discuss all this and more during the first News Roundup of 2024.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's been three years since a group of insurrectionists, emboldened by former President Donald Trump, attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.More than 1,069 people were arrested for their involvement in the attack and over 500 have been sentenced. But has justice really been served?Trump is running for reelection this year. And despite being the first president in the history of the United States to face criminal charges, he has remained the top Republican candidate for the 2024 election.As we approach the anniversary of one the most politically scandalous days in U.S. history, we reflect on the lessons learned. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

2024 will be a historic year for elections all around the world.According to The Economist, 76 countries will be heading to the polls, that's more than half of the world's population. That of course includes the United States, as well as places like Brazil, Mexico, and the members of the E.U. But not every election will be free and fair. Russia's authoritarian reign will likely not come to an end, but the stakes are high in Taiwan where the presidential election could set the tone for relations with China. 2024 will be a test of the state of democracy in the world today. We highlight some of the most consequential contests.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

While Shakespeare is long gone, but theater – and thus playwriting – is very much alive.Theater, in contrast to television or film, offers a unique chance for audiences to come together and experience a one-of-a-kind production. Playwrights, in collaboration with actors, directors, and stage crew work, are chiefly responsible for bringing that magic to life.For this installment of our "Ask A" series – where we talk to interesting people about what they do and why it matters – we speak to a group of playwrights about the power of storytelling on stage. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Before we leave 2023 behind, we're looking back on the movies it gave us.We got blockbuster moments like Barbenheimer, a showdown between two very different but highly anticipated movies releasing in theaters on the same day.There were also moments of original content that might make you laugh like "Bottoms," and ones that might make you cry like "The Holdovers" or "Past Lives."And the other historical moment: new contracts for the Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild after historic months of striking. That pushed some other highly anticipated movies like "Dune: Part 2" and "Challengers" to 2024. Before we look forward to them — we look back on 2023 with the 1A Movie Club.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

We're wrapping up the year in music.It was a big year for boygenius, an indie supergroup made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. Their album "The Record" was nominated for album of the year. And they received five Grammy nods altogether.Another first this year – the song "Ella Baila Sola" by Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma became the first regional Mexican song to ever reach the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard charts after going viral on TikTok. And what's old is new again. Tracy Chapman's 1988 hit "Fast Car" had a resurgence after a cover by country singer Luke Combs went platinum in July.We'll discuss some of the biggest music stories, songs, and maybe some hits you missed, from the last year.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

By 2030, the Census Bureau estimates that the nation's population will consist of more adults over 65 than children.As the youngest of the baby boomers enter their sixties, and younger adults are having children later in life, many Americans – from Gen Z to Gen X – are finding themselves sandwiched between taking care of elderly parents and young kids at the same time.Today's 65-year-olds have a 70 percent likelihood of needing long-term care in the future, all while the supply of home health aides is dwindling. Nursing homes are also increasingly costly and inaccessible for families of low and moderate incomes.We discuss what it's like to balance caring for young kids and aging adults simultaneously and managing your money or time as a family caregiver.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Everyday, we're being asked to trust in something. We trust that our jobs will pay us on time. We trust that our partners will come home in the evening. We trust that our apartment won't suddenly collapse on us, that our neighbors won't steal our mail, and that our kids will be safe at school. But what happens when that trust is broken? According to one 2013 study from the Journal of Couple and Family Psychology, 60 percent of couples cited a partner's unfaithfulness as the reason for their divorce. Trust isn't just an issue in relationships. A 2022 Gallup poll found that Americans' trust in major institutions like the Supreme Court and Congress is at a historic low. How can trust be repaired once it's broken? And why is often so easy to lose in the first place? Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Marcus du Sautoy is a mathematician who loves games, travel, and, unsurprisingly, math. His new book is titled "Around the World in 80 Games: A Mathematician Unlocks the Secrets of the Greatest Games." In it, du Sautoy tours the world's games, exploring how they are built around (and can be won using) mathematics.We discuss how math and games are interwoven worldwide, and learn the history of some of our favorite games. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Christmas comes but once a year. But Christmas music? Well, that seems to come earlier and earlier each year. Brenda Lee made headlines this month when her 1958 tune, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," made the Billboard's Hot 100 chart for the first time. That's 65 years after the original was recorded, proving some classics never go out of style. But the world of Christmas songs isn't always good times and cheer. For decades, Christmas music in America reflected the country's mood – happy and not so happy. Some can be right down sobering like Nat King Cole's version of "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot," while others stay forgotten under the tree. We dive into the world of Christmas music, and discuss what makes a great Christmas song. We also revisit the documentary "Jingle Bell Rocks!" as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

2023 was a big year in games."The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" brought a new installment to a beloved series, six years after the last game. It broke sales records and became the best-selling Zelda game to date. And it wasn't the only blockbuster game this year. Marvel's "Spider-man 2," "Final Fantasy 16," "Diablo 4," and "Super Mario Wonder" were released this year as well. But at the 2023 Game Awards, the big winner was "Baldur's Gate 3" — scoring five awards, including game of the year. We recap the year in video games and check in with Adam Smith, lead writer on "Baldur's Gate 3." Later we revisit our Legend of Zelda conversation from earlier this year. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Colorado Supreme Court disqualified former President Donald Trump from their primary ballot for the 2024 election this week. Congress is in gridlock again over funding for the war in Ukraine. House Republicans held a bill passed by the Senate that would send money to Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelenskyy's troops hostage over immigration restrictions.Meanwhile, a Hamas political chief was in Egypt this week for discussions with Israeli officials who proposed a pause of violence in exchange for around 40 hostages. Talks were reportedly less than fruitful.Pope Francis cleared the way this week for Catholic priests to give blessings to same-sex couples, angering conservative officials in the Vatican.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Complaints against U.S. airlines hit a record high in 2022. And it's not getting any better. Consumer complaints nearly doubled in the first three months of this year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.With only four major airlines in the U.S., there's little choice for consumers in the market. And with air travel expected to reach a record high this holiday season, many will be subjected to the worst of travel: long lines, high prices, and of course, awful airplane food.But why does our time in flight have to be riddled with anguish? And what can be done to make the skies friendly again?For that, we're turning to Ganesh Sitaraman, a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School and director of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator. He's also out with the new book, "Why Flying is Miserable: And How to Fix It."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Years ago, if you opened your kitchen drawer, you'd probably find a stack of takeout menus. There's a good chance one of those menus would've been for a Chinese restaurant. Despite the decline of these doorstep stuffers, Chinese food remains a popular dinnertime choice in the U.S. and around the world. According to a 2023 Pew Research study, Chinese restaurants were found in every U.S. state and in 70 percent of all U.S. counties. We discuss how Chinese food become so popular outside of China, and why the cuisine is so beloved and misunderstood.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's the holiday season which means bright lights and parties. It can also mean an unusually high credit card bill.From gift giving, to travel, to that item you just had to buy for yourself, end-of-year spending is up. Black Friday shoppers spent a record $9.8 billion dollars online this year. Shoppers spent a record $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday. But not everyone is putting cash upfront. Buy Now/Pay Later usage hit an all-time high in November, with an increase of over 42 percent from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. And half of Americans expect to take on debt to pay for the holidays, according to the personal finance company Achieve. We discuss the best way to deal with the rush of holiday expenditures. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Retail experts have long said that U.S. malls are dying out. But a recent market analysis paints a different picture.According to a report from Coresight Research published in June, foot-traffic in top-tier malls was up 12 percent in 2022 compared to before the pandemic. Last year, these same malls had more than 95 percent occupancy rates. Younger shoppers are in part driving this resurgence. Approximately 73 percent of Gen-Z shoppers said they visited a mall in the past month. We discuss why malls are making a comeback and how they're keeping up with online shopping. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain life right now is just grand.He's been involved in the comedy world since the late 90's.His long list of TV shows and stand-up tours includes the BBC's "Mock the Week," which was on air for 17 years. But Ó Briain has been known to talk about a range of topics from science and history to the Irish experience.His "So...Where Were We" tour, comes to the U.S. early next year. In this latest show, he talks about searching for his birth mother and more.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Special counsel Jack Smith went to the Supreme Court on Monday asking the justices to quickly rule on whether or not former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The Biden administration has signaled it may be willing to cave to House GOP demands on immigration restrictions. In return, the White House is hoping to secure funding for Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. Meanwhile in Dubai, this year's UN climate conference COP28 came to a close with the participating nations agreeing on a historic first calling for a global transition away from fossil fuels. The United States has once again vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza at the UN Security Council.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Egg freezing, or oocyte preservation, was once considered an experimental procedure. But since the American Society for Reproductive Medicine dropped that designation in 2012, more people than ever are putting their hopes of parenthood on ice. There was a 400 percent increase in the number of people freezing their eggs between 2012 and 2020 according to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology.Employers like Starbucks and Walmart are offering fertility benefits to attract and retain workers. And fertility industry startups are also capitalizing on demand for services that either help delay parenthood or make parenthood a possibility. We discuss the physical, emotional, and financial realities of egg freezing and its accessibility. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

More than a third of Americans rent instead of own their home, according to the 2022 Census. That number is likely to increase. More than half of Gen Z say renting is a better option than buying a house, and a report from the Wall Street Journal found that more high-income earners are choosing to rent over making the big purchase. As more Americans rent, they face some unique challenges: absent landlords, bait-and-switch apartments, and figuring out whether hanging that heavy mirror on the wall is worth the headache later.Mercury Stardust is a professional home maintenance technician and is known widely as the Trans Handy Ma'am on social media. On TikTok, she helps her 2.5 million followers through all the DIY tasks of rental repairs and to make apartments feel more like homes.If you're not on TikTok, you're in luck. Mercury is out with the new book, "Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair." Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Hacking and cyber attacks aren't just about flashing pop-ups and phishing emails anymore.Groups of online criminals have become bolder and more sophisticated these last few years. Attacks happen on a much larger scale these days, targeting small towns, hospitals, and even K-12 schools. The hacking groups use complicated malware to get in and lock up those systems.Ransomware groups like Lockbit have made several attacks and threats this year. And cyber has proven an increasingly crucial aspect of the war in Ukraine.We discuss the latest on the cyber attacks of 2023 and what we might expect in 2024.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Drive-thrus are a quintessentially American phenomenon. The first was in the U.S. and they spread quickly nationwide in the mid-20th century due to the rise of car culture and the highway system.Now, estimates suggest there are around 200,000 drive-thrus across the country. They grew in popularity during the pandemic. Drive-thrus have a history of innovation. Fast food companies are experimenting with new technology at their fast food windows, like AI chatbots or elevator food delivery systems that cut out human-to-human interaction.Drive-thrus also offer more than just fast food. Drive-thru funeral homes, banks, and convenience stores save people the step of getting out of their cars.We discuss the history and future of America's drive-thrus.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is playing hardball with the Senate. He told Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer this week that he can't pass any funding for Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasions through the House unless it was paired with immigration reforms.Meanwhile, leaked audio of Israeli hostages previously held by Hamas details their anger with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Audio of a meeting between them and the prime minister reveals their disapproval of the government's conduct while handling their situation.A former U.S. diplomat was charged this week with espionage. Ex-ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha is accused of spying for Cuba.And Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was heckled as he attempted to apologize for the deaths of British citizens during the pandemic. We cover the biggest headlines during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Plants and animals across the world are struggling for many reasons. Most of those reasons are caused by human activities. But within the last 50 years, we've taken some steps to try and ease that. Some places like Gorongosa National Park have the world's most hopeful stories of wildlife recovery. And that recovery is just as important to wildlife as it is to the community.There are a few international bodies dedicated to biodiversity conservation: IPBES, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15), CITES. Those organizations don't include each country's own plan for conservation.For this episode of our series, "SOS: Save Our Species." We take a closer look at how these organizations work together. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

A million species are under the threat of extinction, scientists say.Since the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, 11 species on that list have been declared extinct in the United States. One tool being used to combat the extinction crisis is species reintroduction — the process of re-establishing a species population in an area they've been driven out of. Reintroduction has been successful in the U.S. before, with a variety of species, including black-footed ferrets, which were once among the rarest mammals in the world.We discuss how decisions over reintroductions are made and check in on the battle over a gray wolf release program in Colorado.This episode is part of our series, "SOS: Save Our Species," which takes a closer look at the Endangered Species Act and its impact 50 years later. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

What do bison, beaver, wolves and sea otters all have in common?They're keystone species. That means they have an outsized impact on their ecosystem. It took humans driving some of these to near extinction to realize just how important they are.Now animals like the American Bison and North American Beaver are some of the Endangered Species Act's most notable success stories. As part of our series marking the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we're taking a closer look at the efforts to save keystone species.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Scientists predict that more than 1 million species could go extinct in the coming decades. It's been 50 years since Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973 to protect plants and animals in the U.S. from extinction. Over 99 percent of the more than 1,600 species listed as endangered or threatened have survived.But the work to protect our nation's biodiversity is far from over. Just last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it was delisting 21 species from the act due to extinction. It included one species of bat and 10 kinds of birds. We discuss what the Endangered Species Act has accomplished in 50 years and how we should think about the next 50 years of conservation.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

New York Rep. George Santos' time in Congress could come to an end this week. A vote to expel him is expected on Friday. He had already previously refused to resign.Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died this week at the age of 100. He played a part in some of the darkest moments of the Cold War.Meanwhile, the war resumed between Israel and Hamas on Friday, after the last truce extension expired. And in the West Bank four people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed as the Israeli Defense Force raided the Jenin refugee camp this week.The Department of Justice charged a man accused of taking payment from the Indian government for the assassination of a Sikh leader and U.S. citizen in New York.We cover all these headlines and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For the first time in the franchise's 21-year history, ABC's "The Bachelor" is surprising viewers with "The Golden Bachelor", where all the contestants are over 60. And the bachelor himself is 72. Whether you're a fan of the show or not, the series is airing at a time when many older Americans are finding themselves single. According to a new analysis by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research, divorce rates among people 65 and older tripled between 1990 and 2021. And roughly half of women over 65 are un-partnered. That's according to a Pew Research survey from 2020. We discuss what it's like to try and find love in your later years.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

WeWork – the shared office space company – was once hailed as a revolutionary way to work, with a $47 billion valuation to match.But earlier this month, the company filed for bankruptcy. WeWork reported more than $18 billion in debt and around $100 million in unpaid rent.And while the bankruptcy may be the final nail in WeWork's proverbial coffin, many other coworking spaces have cropped up all around the country.We discuss what the future of remote work will look like and how coworking spaces fit into that future.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In June 2015, nine people died at Charleston's Emanuel A.M.E. Church, victims of a racist shooter's rampage.Some of the victims' relatives publicly forgave the murderer, including Chris Singleton, whose mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was killed. Philosopher Myisha Cherry was struck by the story and its response. Some, she says, paid more attention to the inspirational story of forgiveness than the racial hatred behind the shooting.In her new book, Professor Cherry seeks to understand what forgiveness means and why we venerate it. Sometimes, she argues, forgiveness can do more harm than good, especially if it lets the perpetrator of wrongdoing off the hook – whether that be a person, system or anything else.We discuss forgiveness – what it means and its effect. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Marcus du Sautoy is a mathematician who loves games, travel, and, unsurprisingly, math. His new book is titled "Around the World in 80 Games: A Mathematician Unlocks the Secrets of the Greatest Games." In it, du Sautoy tours the world's games, exploring how they are built around (and can be won using) mathematics.We discuss how math and games are interwoven worldwide, and learn the history of some of our favorite games. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Whether it's high-speed rail or highway reconstruction, infrastructure projects in the U.S. are often associated with high price tags and lengthy timelines. Perhaps no project captures this better than Boston's Central Artery Tunnel project, more commonly known as the Big Dig. It's the nation's most expensive highway project. And it took more than two decades to plan and build.Ian Coss, host of GBH News' "The Big Dig" joins us to discuss the lessons we can take away from projects like Boston's.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Dolly Parton's resume is as big as her hair. And at age 77 she's adding another title to it: "Rockstar."Her new album was released on Nov. 17. It's a mix of covers of classic rock songs, featuring collaborations with a whopping list of who's who in Rock-n-Roll. And there are almost 30 tracks – give or take a few – depending on the version of the album that you buy. With 9 new singles, "Rockstar" is Dolly's most significant foray into Rock and Roll music.While Dolly has fully embraced a new "Rockstar" persona – down to the black studded outfits – glimmers of rockstar have existed in Dolly's previous eras. Over the past fifty years, Dolly has won plenty of awards and accolades for her songwriting, becoming one of music's most prolific songwriters.Sit back and grab yourself a cup of ambition. For this edition of the 1A Record Club – Dolly Parton's new album "Rockstar" and what her latest musical evolution represents.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The wildly popular webcomic "Strange Planet" has attracted millions of followers by pointing out absurdities in everyday life.Beings on Strange Planet live in a place very similar to Earth and behave very similarly to humans. They just talk about it differently. On Strange Planet, coffee is "jitter liquid," socks are "foot tubes," alcohol is "mild poison," kissing is "mouth pushing," and raccoons are "greyscale finger bandits."The successful webcomic is expanding to books, merchandise, and now a new show on Apple TV+, co-created by "Strange Planet" creator Nathan W. Pyle and "Rick and Morty" co-creator Dan Harmon.We talk to Pyle about the show and his inspiration. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Hip-hop is many things – unapologetic, lyrical, rhythmic, and above all, ubiquitous.Since its nebulous "creation" at a party in the Bronx in 1973, hip-hop has become one of the world's most popular genres and cultural expressions.It's also evolved drastically. It's given way to various subgenres – like gangsta rap and drill – and provided the means for talented emcees to be heard around the world.But hip-hop doesn't exist without its controversy. The genre has been seen by many since its inception as a tool to further misogyny, violence and capitalist exploitation.We celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th birthday by discussing the history of the genre and what its future could look like. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Chances are you uses spices everyday. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spice consumption per capita among Americans has more than tripled since 1966. But spices aren't just about taste. They can also be beneficial to our health. One 2019 study from the Journal of A.O.A.C. International found that certain spices can lower the risk of chronic disease and help fight inflammation. We talk about how can you incorporate spices into your dishes at home with a spice shop owner, a professional chef, and a doctor.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Complaints against U.S. airlines hit a record high in 2022. And it's not getting any better. Consumer complaints nearly doubled in the first three months of this year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.With only four major airlines in the U.S., there's little choice for consumers in the market. And with air travel expected to reach a record high this holiday season, many will be subjected to the worst of travel: long lines, high prices, and of course, awful airplane food.But why does our time in flight have to be riddled with anguish? And what can be done to make the skies friendly again?For that, we're turning to Ganesh Sitaraman, a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School and director of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator. He's also out with the new book, "Why Flying is Miserable: And How to Fix It."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's been a busy week for the GOP in Congress. Lawmakers managed to avoid another government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson's grace period in his new role seems to be over. US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for the first time in a year at a summit in San Francisco. The two leaders spent time together as after many months of tensions between the two nations.New polling indicates that there's a significant gap in politician rhetoric and public sentiment on Israel's war on Gaza, with a growing number of Americans believing the IDF has gone too far in its efforts to fight Hamas.Meanwhile, Israeli military strikes on the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City continued this week, as they focus in on what the IDF claim are Hamas operation centers in medical facilities. Palestinians working in Gaza's main hospital are burying their dead in a mass grave. We cover the most important stories this week during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

William Shakespeare once said that the eyes are the window to the soul. We make eye contact with others to show that we're listening, to connect, or simply as a way of saying, "I see you."Cultures around the world have understood the power of eyes for centuries. If you travel to India, Chad, Japan, Iran, or just around the corner from your house, you'll probably see the same thing around the eyes of the people who live there: eyeliner. In her new book, "Eyeliner: A Cultural History," Lebanese-British journalist Zahra Hankir explores beauty, power, identity, and resistance through the lens of the iconic cosmetic. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's been over three years since "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" was released. It became one of the best-selling video games of the year — moving over 42 million copies, almost four times as much as the previous edition of the game.It also renewed interest in a video game trend known for finding magic in mundane tasks: cozy gaming. Games like "Stardew Valley," "Harvest Moon," and "Unpacking," where the objective is less about shooting, fighting, or space colonization and more about gentle verbs — tending, farming, and homemaking.And the video game industry is taking notice. We discuss the impact and popularity of cozy gaming. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Guns, and who gets to have access to them, is one of the most hotly debated issues in our country. The Supreme Court will weigh in on gun rights once more in the coming months in the case of a 23-year-old Texas man named Zackey Rahimi.His case challenges a federal law that's been around for nearly two decades that strips gun ownership rights from people under domestic violence protection orders.How should the high court regulate who gets access to guns? And how might the outcome of the case shape gun rights as we know them?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The first photographs of a major military conflict were taken during the Crimean War of the 1850s. Nearly 175 years later, photojournalists are on the ground, on the frontlines of conflicts around the world, documenting history.They do so at great risk to themselves. So far, at least five photojournalists have died during the Israel-Hamas War, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists."You see the spirit of human beings when everything else is stripped away," says photojournalist Lynsey Addario. "That's what drives me to keep going back. At the end of the day, people can be horrible, but they can also be extraordinary and wonderful."We discuss how photojournalists in conflict zones do their work and the impact of witnessing the atrocities of war first-hand.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

This was an off-year election week to remember. In Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear retained control of his office after making abortion a central issue of his campaign.Five GOP candidates took the debate stage in Miami this week, all doing their best to grab the attention of Republican primary voters. WeWork, the office-sharing giant, filed for bankruptcy this week. In 2019, the company was valued at $47 billion.We cover the most important stories from around the country in the domestic hour of the News Roundup.Meanwhile, the U.S. is signaling its desire for more Palestinian governance over Gaza and the West Bank once the war ends. And worldwide, October is being recorded as the hottest-ever month, meaning 2023 is on track to be the hottest-ever year.We cover all these stories and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Five Republican presidential hopefuls faced off in Miami on Wednesday night for the third GOP debate, the last one of 2023.Former President Donald Trump will, once again, not be on the stage. Instead, he'll be at a rally in a suburb of Miami nearby.The debate comes as many states went to the polls – Kentucky re-elected their Democratic governor, Democrats flipped Virginia's state house and Ohio voted to enshrine the right to abortion in its Constitution. Foreign policy is expected to dominate the debate as Israel's war on Gaza enters the fourth week. We recap the night and discuss what the candidates said about issues like abortion, the economy and foreign policy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

By 2030, the Census Bureau estimates that the nation's population will consist of more adults over 65 than children.As the youngest of the baby boomers enter their sixties, and younger adults are having children later in life, many Americans – from Gen Z to Gen X – are finding themselves sandwiched between taking care of elderly parents and young kids at the same time.Today's 65-year-olds have a 70 percent likelihood of needing long-term care in the future, all while the supply of home health aides is dwindling. Nursing homes are also increasingly costly and inaccessible for families of low and moderate incomes.We discuss what it's like to balance caring for young kids and aging adults simultaneously and managing your money or time as a family caregiver.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

If you live near a bustling downtown or shopping center, you may have noticed an increase in private security during the last couple of years. Even places like hospitals, jails, or the occasional Walgreens and gas station have turned to hiring their own security. According to The New York Times, most major cities now have at least three times as many security guards as police officers on their streets. In the past couple of weeks, private security guards began patrolling areas in Austin, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina. This uptick comes as police departments across the country are struggling to find recruits. As private security replaces its public counterpart, questions about training, regulation, and accountability echo through American communities. Especially considering it's easier for some communities to afford it than it is for others.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

War is inherently difficult to cover in real-time. The war between Israel and Hamas is no different. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called the death toll among journalists in the conflict unprecedented with at least 36 journalists killed since the war began last month. What kind of challenges are reporters met with? How do those challenges affect the coverage you're getting as a consumer of news?We discuss what it looks like to cover one of the most complicated conflicts. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

House Republicans are set to put forward a bill to send aid to Israel to the tune of $14.3 billion. Idaho made its first "abortion trafficking" arrest this week. A mother and son were arrested and charged with kidnapping for taking an underage girl across state lines for an abortion without her parents' knowledge. Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency is losing its aid workers as Israel continues to bomb Gaza. At least 70 of those workers have died in the attacks. International leaders are looking to begin a peace process as the violence and humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. The Panama Canal is cutting down on the number of ships allowed to pass through. The El Niño weather pattern is contributing to a drought in the country.We cover the most important stories during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Pharmacists say they're overworked and understaffed and have been for years. So they planned a "Pharmageddon" – three days of nationwide walkouts at CVS and Walgreens. The walkouts come after protests from pharmacy workers at Walgreens last month, and multiple walkouts at CVS stores in Kansas City. Although complaints have been ongoing, the scale of the walkouts was difficult to confirm. And change has been hard to come by. Pharmacy worker complaints come as big box retailers face other struggles. Last month, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy. CVS, RiteAid, and Walgreens locations have been closing stores across the country.We discuss the state of retail pharmacies today, and what these shakeups mean for the communities relying on them.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's easy to mistake Día de los Muertos for Halloween. Skeletons and marigolds, like the vivid orange macabre of jack-o-lanterns, are synonymous with the tradition. So are the food and treats prepared for loved ones who have passed away. While both traditions evolved from a complicated intertwining of pagan and Christian beliefs and traditions, the push to keep Día de los Muertos a separate tradition from Halloween and faithful to its indigenous roots is as complex as the history of the holiday itself. Introduced in the U.S. as part of the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and '70s, Día de los Muertos celebrations have become a part of fall festivities in towns and cities around the country. We take a closer look at the history and evolution of Día de los Muertos stateside.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Different kinds of horror stories can be scary, dreadful, terrifying, and even gross. But they can also be rich with meaning. There's no lack of horror subjects and subgenres to venture into, whether it's slashers, zombies, monsters, ghosts, or vampires. And more niches like highway horror or found footage.The number of jump scares per horror movie is the lowest it's ever been since 2014, according to The Washington Post.We discuss the meaning behind different types of horror stories and different tropes.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

All 220 House Republicans present voted for Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson as the body's next speaker. He was the fourth candidate put forward by the GOP in the three weeks since they ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump's legal issues continue to mount. His daughter, Ivanka, as well as his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., will soon have to testify in a New York civil case concerning financial fraud.This is one of several cases Trump is facing, including allegations that he sought to interfere with the 2020 election results in Georgia and that he mishandled classified documents at his club in Florida.We discuss all the latest and take a closer look at what's on the new speaker's agenda in terms of legislation. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

After three weeks of a vacancy, and multiple failed candidates, House Republicans finally named their speaker: Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson.Also this week, Ford and the United Auto Workers Union have reached a tentative deal that would see an end to the strike end and a pay raise for the union members.Meanwhile, Israel prepares for a ground war as the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows worse by the day. Palestinians in Gaza are quickly running out of food and water, and the healthcare system has collapsed.And Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu was removed from his position two months after he was last seen in public.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For this month's Movie Club, we're discussing "Killers of the Flower Moon," a new film by director Martin Scorsese that some say could be his last. The film is based on a book by the same name by journalist David Grann. Set in the 1920s, it tells the story of the mysterious murders of more than 60 wealthy Osage Native Americans. The murders were brutal and went largely unchecked by local and state police in Oklahoma. The movie stars Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro. We discuss the movie, what it gets right about Native American culture, and what it means for the future of films featuring Indigenous characters.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Benjamin Netanyahu campaigned to be Israel's prime minister on the promise that he'd keep Israel safe.Now, as the leader of one of the most right-wing governments in the country's history, he's tasked with shepherding Israel through a crisis after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas — the militant and political group that rules Gaza — killed more than 1,400 people.A poll in the Ma'ariv newspaper suggests up to 80% of Israelis believe Netanyahu must take responsibility for the security failures that led to the October 7th attack.The country was already facing internal upheaval as Netanyahu's government pushed to overhaul the judiciary system.We discuss the latest updates on Israeli domestic politics.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Since Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, a lot has been said about the militant and political group and whether or not they represent the Palestinian people.Hamas has been declared a terrorist group by dozens of countries, including the United States. And many Palestinians in Gaza think the political party is corrupt. The Palestinian Liberation Organization, which controls the West Bank and is led by Mahmoud Abbas, has condemned Hamas's violence.It's been over 15 years since the last parliamentary election that brought Hamas to power, one that many Palestinians weren't old enough to vote in. We discuss how Palestinian leadership and how war and displacement has shaped the lives of Palestinians. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Cultivated meat is green-lit in the U.S. That's meat grown in a lab.Two food technology companies — UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat — are letting people try their cultivated meat. But you can't grab any off grocery shelves quite yet. For now, it's available to the public at Bar Crenn in San Francisco and China Chilcano in Washington D.C. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service approved their labels and the Food and Drug Administration left with no questions after they did a pre-market consultation with the companies on their product.We discuss how this meat is grown and its potential impact on the meat industry.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

President Joe Biden flew to Israel this week for a brief visit amid the country's preparation for a ground invasion of Gaza. During his brief, 7-hour stay, he managed to help push through a deal for humanitarian aid trucks to travel through Egypt to Gaza.Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense has ordered some 2,000 troops to prepare to deploy to the Middle East to support the Israeli military in its siege of Gaza. India's Supreme Court refused to legalize same-sex marriage this week, disappointing millions of LGBTQ+ couples, activists, and allies.And Poland's election finished with major losses for the country's nationalist right. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Whether it's an ale, lager, stout, or sour, people all over the U.S. are trying their own craft beer recipes at home. Some turn them into businesses.The number of craft breweries in the U.S. is at an all-time high according to the Brewers Association, with more than 9,500 across the country. But the industry is changing. Organizations like Beer Kulture and The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling are funding technical scholarships for people of color interested in the business. Films like "One Pint at a Time" highlight the lack of diversity in the industry.We discuss what it takes to be in the brewing business these days and how people in the industry are trying to diversify it. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

An air strike has hit the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City where thousands were seeking safety and treatment.Hamas has blamed an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military said the hospital was hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants. The health ministry said at least 500 people had been killed.Hundreds of Palestinians had taken refuge in al-Ahli, other hospitals, and United Nations buildings in Gaza City, hoping they would be spared bombardment after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.The attack spurred protests in Ramallah in the Occupied West Bank and condemnation. Egypt's foreign minister said that Cairo considers this "deliberate bombing of civilians to be a serious violation of international, humanitarian law and of the most basic values of humanity."We discuss the latest humanitarian situation in Gaza and ask whether the rules of war were breached.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website

Back in 2015, Schuyler Bailar made headlines for being the first openly transgender athlete to compete on a Division 1 NCAA sports team.Now, he's an advocate for transgender inclusion. His new book is called "He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters."In the years since Schuyler raced as a member of the Harvard men's swim team, the battle over transgender inclusion in sports has become more contentious.Since 2020, 18 states have passed laws restricting participation in sports for trans women and girls and five other states passed laws applying to all trans athletes, according to an ESPN analysis.We discuss why the way we talk about gender matters. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

As Israel's military prepares for a ground war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has become increasingly dire with water, food, and fuel in dangerously low supply.Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are fleeing south after the Israeli Government told residents to evacuate.Israel cut off fuel, electricity, and water in retaliation for Hamas' surprise attack last Saturday. Israel says more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed and at least 199 taken hostage. Over the weekend, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli airstrikes surpassed 2,750 according to the Gaza Health Ministry.But the enclave is one of the most densely populated places in the world. About half of Gazans are children under 18. And most have nowhere to go.We discuss the mounting humanitarian crisis and what comes next for Gazans and the world as an Israeli ground invasion approaches.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Israel this week to reaffirm U.S. support for the country's war against Hamas. He told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America would 'always be there' for Israel at a joint press conference.House Republicans are beginning to coalesce around Majority Leader Steve Scalise as their pick to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy has the chamber's speaker. However, Scalise faces an uphill battle to obtain the 217 votes he'll need to be confirmed in the role.The Gaza Strip is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis after the Israeli government ordered a complete siege of the territory. Israeli authorities are cutting off access to food, power, and water.Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohamed bin-Salman discussed the "need to end war crimes in Palestine" in one of their first calls since restoring diplomatic relations between their two countries.Afghanistan was hit by a large earthquake in its western region mere days after two other quakes killed more than 1,000 people. So far, authorities have announced that 100 are injured and at least one person was killed.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

A report from Common Sense Media found that teens get over 230 of these distracting notifications each day. Some get over four thousand. But teens aren't the only ones inundated.According to market research company Insider Intelligence, American adults spend four and a half hours a day on their phones. Smartphones and social media apps are lauded by their industries for their addictive design.Now, lawmakers in Utah, New Jersey, and North Carolina are taking action to protect kids from the reach of social media. We discuss how our phones' constant presence affects us and what we can do to claim back our focus.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

While Shakespeare is long gone, but theater – and thus playwriting – is very much alive.Theater, in contrast to television or film, offers a unique chance for audiences to come together and experience a one-of-a-kind production. Playwrights, in collaboration with actors, directors, and stage crew work, are chiefly responsible for bringing that magic to life.For this installment of our "Ask A" series – where we talk to interesting people about what they do and why it matters – we speak to a group of playwrights about the power of storytelling on stage. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's been over three years since "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" was released. It became one of the best-selling video games of the year — moving over 42 million copies, almost four times as much as the previous edition of the game.It also renewed interest in a video game trend known for finding magic in mundane tasks: cozy gaming. Games like "Stardew Valley," "Harvest Moon," and "Unpacking," where the objective is less about shooting, fighting, or space colonization and more about gentle verbs — tending, farming, and homemaking.And the video game industry is taking notice. We discuss the impact and popularity of cozy gaming. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Israel has not suffered a blow like this in 50 years. Death tolls are hard to verify. But Israeli officials say more than 600 Israelis have been killed in attacks from Gaza since Saturday. As many as 100 Israeli soldiers and civilians were kidnapped when Palestinian militants crossed the border and raided communities. Retaliatory Israeli air strikes have killed more than 400 people in the Gaza Strip, with 2,300 wounded, Palestinian officials say.We get the latest and hear how the U.S. and the world are responding. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy lost his position this week as eight Republicans joined House Democrats in stripping him of his title. The House will now have to vote for a new Speaker. Migrant deaths have more than doubled at the border in El Paso, Texas, this year as scorching heat has made conditions for crossings incredibly dangerous. The toll of 148 deaths is a record high.Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues as some analysts suggest global support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces is waning. And U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is calling for continental solutions as migrants continue to make their way to the borders of the European Union.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Climate records have been broken non-stop this year.2023 saw the earth's hottest summer on record. The record-breaking heat continued into September. The year also saw extreme weather including the Canadian wildfires that scorched 37 million acres of land, roughly the size of the state of New York.News like this can be disheartening. But we've heard from many of you about springing into action to fight climate change, even if it's cautiously optimistic.We discuss what can be done at home, in your community, and on a larger scale through policy and industry action to fight climate change.This conversation is part of NPR's Climate Week which puts a spotlight on solutions.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For the first time in the franchise's 21-year history, ABC's "The Bachelor" is surprising viewers with "The Golden Bachelor", where all the contestants are over 60. And the bachelor himself is 72. Whether you're a fan of the show or not, the series is airing at a time when many older Americans are finding themselves single. According to a new analysis by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research, divorce rates among people 65 and older tripled between 1990 and 2021. And roughly half of women over 65 are un-partnered. That's according to a Pew Research survey from 2020. We discuss what it's like to try and find love in your later years.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The American Library Association found that the number of books facing challenges for censorship is up 20 percent for the first eight months of this year compared to 2022. That includes more than 800 books in school districts across 37 states. More than 300 books were removed from Florida schools last year, according to a list released by the Florida Department of Education. Some of those books, written by author Carl Hiaasen, who knows this landscape too well. The longtime Miami Herald national columnist and author has witnessed several of his books be removed from schools, prisons, and libraries. He's already had several events canceled on the nationwide tour of his latest young adult book, "Wrecker."We discuss the banned book environment, and the impact these bans have on students and libraries nationwide. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Joy Milne met her husband Les in high school. Nearly 15 years after they met, Joy smelled something different about Les. The scent wouldn't go away, and a decade later, Les was diagnosed with Parkinson's. It turned out, Joy's nose was detecting the disease, long before doctors could.Joy's hyperosmia, or super-smelling ability, helped develop a non-invasive swab test for Parkinson's. Hers is one of many stories in the new book "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The Astonishing New Science of the Senses." Author Maureen Seaberg is a super sensor too. She joins us to discuss why some of us have superior senses, and how we can all harness that power. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

A New York Judge has determined that former President Donald Trump and his adult sons committed fraud and canceled the Trump Organization's business certification.Congress is running out of time to pass a funding bill that would avoid a partial government shutdown before Oct. 1. And tributes are being paid to Senator Dianne Feinstein. Her death was announced Friday morning. She was 90.Meanwhile, support for Ukraine is beginning to waiver in the United States as Republican congresspeople squabble over aid for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces. In Canada, protesters are demonstrating outside the Indian consulate, calling for the expulsion of India's top diplomat. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of having a Sikh leader in Canada killed.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Seven Republicans qualified for last night's presidential primary debate: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, the candidates gathered on stage without the current front-runner: former President Donald Trump, who was, at the same time, meeting with auto workers in Michigan.Where are the candidates finding space for alignment and disagreement with both Trump and each other?We discuss the event and the significance of Trump's absence. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

What music have you turned to during hard times? That's the question Dessa's latest album hopes to answer.The award-winning rapper, singer, writer, and podcast (and sometimes 1A) host has been in the game for a while. She came up as part of the Minneapolis rap collective, Doomtree. She was featured in 2016's chart-topping "Hamilton Mixtape," and she's collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra on a number of performances and even a live album. She's also the author of "My Own Devices: True Stories from the Road on Music, Science, and Senseless Love."But like many of us, her last few years weren't easy. And her new music, including "Hurricane Party" and pop-forward "Chopper," is her way of reckoning with — and dancing away — those feelings.We discuss Dessa's new album with her and the influence of pop music. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Chances are you uses spices everyday. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spice consumption per capita among Americans has more than tripled since 1966. But spices aren't just about taste. They can also be beneficial to our health. One 2019 study from the Journal of A.O.A.C. International found that certain spices can lower the risk of chronic disease and help fight inflammation. We talk about how can you incorporate spices into your dishes at home with a spice shop owner, a professional chef, and a doctor.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

How much do you think about the Roman Empire?It's a question that men the world over were asked by friends and loved ones who use the video-sharing app TikTok in recent days.A recent viral trend asserts that dudes spend a surprising amount of time ruminating on barbarian invasions, Hadrian's Wall, fights in the Coliseum, and much more.It's a fun silly trend. But it illustrates a broader point about how we think about who thinks about history. (We think about this a lot.)We discuss what how we think about the Roman Empire says about us.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

House Republicans are struggling to agree on a temporary spending bill which would prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month. Democrats have made no offers to help House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.The Biden administration announced the creation of the American Climate Corps this week. The organization will train and support young people working to fight climate change, preserve environments, and promote clean energy.Meanwhile in the U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is catching flak this week for scaling back his country's climate goals in a press conference this Wednesday.And Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Moscow court this week to appeal his imprisonment on espionage charges. The appeal was returned to a lower court to deal with procedural violations.1A Guest Host Todd Zwillich guides us through the biggest headlines of the week for this edition of the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The United Kingdom has had five prime ministers since it voted to leave the European Union in 2016. Rory Stewart once came close to being one of them. But he decided to quit party politics in 2019.He now enjoys a degree of popularity in the U.K. His high profile has raised talk that 10 Downing Street could still be a future address for this nomadic rising star.Stewart has walked across Asia, taught at Harvard, served as a diplomat in Iraq, and served as a Conservative MP. He is also a Global Ambassador for the charity Give Directly and a co-host of the podcast "The Rest is Politics."His background and trajectory put him on a path to reach high office. But then came Brexit, Boris Johnson, and a level of carelessness that he writes about in his new memoir, called "How Not to Be A Politician."We sit down with Stewart and discuss his memoir and podcast. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In June 2015, nine people died at Charleston's Emanuel A.M.E. Church, victims of a racist shooter's rampage.Some of the victims' relatives publicly forgave the murderer, including Chris Singleton, whose mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was killed. Philosopher Myisha Cherry was struck by the story and its response. Some, she says, paid more attention to the inspirational story of forgiveness than the racial hatred behind the shooting.In her new book, Professor Cherry seeks to understand what forgiveness means and why we venerate it. Sometimes, she argues, forgiveness can do more harm than good, especially if it lets the perpetrator of wrongdoing off the hook – whether that be a person, system or anything else.We discuss forgiveness – what it means and its effect. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Last week, an FDA advisory panel unanimously agreed that Phenylephrine, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter decongestant medications, is ineffective. The decision could affect hundreds of products including Sudafed PE, NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu, and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion. This comes as COVID cases continue to rise and as we head into fall allergy season. Studies also show that human-caused climate change is making allergies more intense and last longer. For this edition of In Good Health, our panel of experts discusses the best alternatives for relief and how you should prepare for the colder months as sicknesses surge.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's hard to deny Google's power when it comes to the internet. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "google" is even a verb. The U.S. Department of Justice wants to do something about that. It's taking on Google in the biggest tech monopoly trial in 25 years. The DOJ is accusing the company of abusing its power to become the dominant search engine. Google controls around 90 percent of the U.S. search engine market and is worth 1.7 trillion dollars. We discuss the trial, how the U.S. is regulating tech, and what implications this case has for tech business around the world.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed the House of Representatives to open an impeachment inquiry over the business dealings of President Joe Biden's family this week. And on Thursday Biden's son Hunter was indicted on three gun charges.American auto workers are on strike. Thousands of UAW members followed through on their promise to walk off the job if companies don't reach an agreement by 11:59 p.m. Thursday evening.Meanwhile, in Libya, the death toll is expected to climb as high as 20,000 after floods ripped through the eastern part of the country this week after Tropical Storm Daniel. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his full support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine when the two met this week.We cover these headlines and more with 1A Guest Host Todd Zwillich during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The 1995 film "Showgirls" starring Elizabeth Berkley was one of the largest commercial failures of its time. With a budget of $45 million, (nearly $90 million in 2023 dollars), the film ended up losing more than $8 million and was widely panned by critics. Berkeley said the movie was so bad she became a "pariah" in Hollywood.But nearly 30 years after its release, "Showgirls" maintains a cult following with midnight showings at independent theaters and deep-dive essays exploring its themes by culture critics.Americans love their share of bad movies. From "The Room" to "Troll 2," you can find entire online communities and podcasts dedicated to unpacking these works of... art.We discuss what it is we love the most about bad movies. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Matt Gutman has spent decades in front of cameras and microphones as a newscaster, reporting on current events across the globe. His calm, cool demeanor belied his internal struggle with a lifetime of panic.Matt is one of many Americans who suffer from panic attacks. He tried pharmaceuticals, psychedelics and therapy. His journey is documented in the new book "No Time To Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks." We talk to Matt and psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Vora about why panic attacks happen and how to prevent them.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in higher education. That means colleges and universities can no longer consider a student applicant's race when building their student bodies.The decision was a victory for Edward Blum, the legal activist who founded Students for Fair Admissions. The organization won the landmark case it brought against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.Now, Blum and other conservative legal firms, have set their sights on diversity efforts in corporate America.We discuss the legal challenges against venture capital funds, law firm fellowships, and federal contracting programs that all aim to uplift Black professionals and businesses.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Recovery and rebuilding efforts are underway in Hawaii a month after the deadly fires that swept through Maui. Some 115 people were killed and thousands were displaced by the fires which began in the town of Lahaina.Along with the homes and businesses lost to the fires in Maui, cultural institutions are also struggling to rebuild. The land around Lahaina is significant to Hawaii's history and heritage. A network of community leaders has kept Lahaina's cultural history intact. But with the fires came the destruction of that sacred land. We discuss the impact of the cultural loss due to the Maui wildfires, and what rebuilding and recovery mean for Native Hawaiians. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Another government shutdown is looming as the calendar shifts to the month of September. Congress has until the 30th to settle up on a short-term funding bill that would keep the lights on in Washington. Special Counsel Jack Smith is not making Donald Trump's life any easier. Smith has charged the former president with four counts over his attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reassure Ukrainian leaders that they could continue to count on American support in their fight against the Russian invasion. And North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to travel to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss their respective conflicts with the U.S. And abortion restrictions grow in the United States, Mexico is moving in the opposite direction. The country's supreme court did away with all federal penalties and decriminalized abortion this week. We cover these headlines and a whole lot more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Some parents who are no longer married are trying a strategy called birdnesting. It's an arrangement where children remain in their family home while the parents cycle in and out of the house. The hope for this approach is that it offers stability to young people during a time of major change. According to the University of Illinois at Chicago's Psychiatry College of Medicine, children of divorce have a greater risk of developing mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. We discuss how much co-parenting arrangements like nesting offset the negative effects of divorce on kids and what you need to know before you try nesting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Over the past three years, the number of Americans who reported playing pickleball went from 5 million to 36.5 million according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals.As the sport builds in popularity among amateur players, professional pickleball is also getting an influx of cash from sporting celebrities like Lebron James and Kevin Love.We host a panel conversation about the passion and politics of pickleball.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Cultivated meat is green-lit in the U.S. That's meat grown in a lab.Two food technology companies — UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat — are letting people try their cultivated meat. But you can't grab any off grocery shelves quite yet. For now, it's available to the public at Bar Crenn in San Francisco and China Chilcano in Washington D.C. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service approved their labels and the Food and Drug Administration left with no questions after they did a pre-market consultation with the companies on their product.We discuss how this meat is grown and its potential impact on the meat industry.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Whether your mom was a natural cook or a reluctant one. Or if your other parent was the one throwing down in the kitchen, food and the place where it's made live inside of us long after we've eaten. What we inherit from our parents' kitchen and pass along as adults is at the center of a new podcast by award-winning journalist Michele Norris.It's called "Your Mama's Kitchen." Former first lady Michelle Obama joins Michele for the first episode. We speak to Michele about how our experiences in the kitchen shape us outside of it.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze when answering questions asked by reporters about whether he would run for re-election. It's the second such incident involving the Kentucky senator. It has sparked discussions about the age at which politicians should step aside.A white shooter in Jacksonville, Florida, killed three Black people this week. The gunman shot at shoppers and employees at a Dollar General store in a predominantly Black area of the city. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti is urging Americans in the country to leave amid political unrest and rising gang violence. If they are to stay, authorities warn against traveling within the country and engaging with large groups of people.Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's conviction and prison sentence were suspended by a court in Islamabad. He was released on bail.We cover all the biggest news from around the world during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The pandemic forced many families into homeschooling — and a surprising number of them are sticking with it.In the 2021 and 2022 school year, homeschool enrollment rose by 30 percent. That's according to research from Stanford University and the Urban Institute.The most dramatic shift in homeschool enrollment was among Black families. According to a 2020 Census Household Survey, homeschooling among Black families in the fall of 2020 was five times higher than it was in the spring of 2020.We discuss why more parents are opting to homeschool their kids for good and the kind of regulation that comes with homeschooling. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

On Aug. 30, 2021, the U.S. completed its full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, bringing the 20-year-long war to an end.Two weeks earlier, on Aug. 15, with fewer troops to block their path, the Taliban took over Kabul.Since then, the Taliban has controlled Afghanistan. Girls are now banned from attending school past sixth grade. Independent media, including newspapers and radio stations, have been shut down. Protestors, journalists, and activists are being arrested.We look back on the U.S. war in Afghanistan and what's happening in the country now.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The pandemic made monthly rent payments soar, rising 15 percent between 2020 and 2022.Evictions are also on the rise since the pandemic, with some cities seeing filings increases by as much as 50 percent, according to Princeton University's Eviction Lab. This has led some cities and states to consider rent regulations. This month, a group of economists sent a letter to the Biden Administration in support of national rent regulation. It's a sign of a possible shift in what historically has been one of the most agreed-upon topics among economists – probably ever. We discuss rent control and which regulations actually work. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

While you may not be a fan of the heart pumping, adrenaline boosting feeling of a roller coaster's twists and turns, for others, it's the best part of the warmer months or even a core memory of their childhood. But recently, two roller coasters hit the headlines for less than awesome reasons. Riders at a Wisconsin festival were stuck upside down for around three hours after a mechanical failure. And a North Carolina man spotted a massive crack in a coaster support beam after his family had been on the ride.We discuss the safety of roller coasters and what's next for coaster engineering.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The racketeering case against Donald Trump and his co-conspirators in Fulton County, Georgia, progressed this week. Former New York City Mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities this week at the Atlanta jail where the defendants in the case are being booked.Overseas, the head of the Wagner military group Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly died in a plane crash in Russia this week. In June, Prigozhin ordered his troops to march on Moscow in defiance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military leaders.In a big moment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's country, India landed a rover on the south pole of the moon.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For more than 80 years, cable television has been at the center of American politics and culture. While streaming platforms have driven many families to cut the cord, there are still more than 72 million active cable subscribers according to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association.News remains a huge part of Americans' cable television diet. But the industry is at a crossroads, with cable subscriptions down 30 percent over the past decade. Giants of the industry like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC have cut their staffs.We discuss how cable news has shaped our politics and culture and its role in the 2024 Presidential election.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

As anxieties over automation mount, AI is already responsible for the employment of millions of workers globally.From chatbots to text-to-image generators, AI relies on human workers labeling and annotating the millions of images and words it references. But the work of feeding information to AI can be tedious, with unreliable pay and few opportunities for growth.We discuss the workforce powering AI and Congress' plans to regulate the industry. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The wildly popular webcomic "Strange Planet" has attracted millions of followers by pointing out absurdities in everyday life.Beings on Strange Planet live in a place very similar to Earth and behave very similarly to humans. They just talk about it differently. On Strange Planet, coffee is "jitter liquid," socks are "foot tubes," alcohol is "mild poison," kissing is "mouth pushing," and raccoons are "greyscale finger bandits."The successful webcomic is expanding to books, merchandise, and now a new show on Apple TV+, co-created by "Strange Planet" creator Nathan W. Pyle and "Rick and Morty" co-creator Dan Harmon.We talk to Pyle about the show and his inspiration. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former President Donald Trump is facing his fourth criminal indictment — this time for attempting to overturn election results in Georgia.Trump has denied the charges, but the alleged crimes facing the presidential candidate are piling up. We talk about where the latest indictment fits in with the others and what happens next with our panel of guests.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

Former President Donald Trump was indicted again this week. He's been charged alongside 18 other co-defendants by a grand jury in Georgia for conspiring to unlawfully keep himself in office in the wake of the 2020 election under the state's racketeering law.Wildfires continue to ravage Maui. The death toll in the wildfires has reached 110, but is sure to climb in the coming days.Meanwhile, the United Nations issued a warning over the situation in Sudan this week. More than 1 million people have fled the country since fighting broke out in April. North Korea has officially confirmed U.S. soldier Travis King is in the country. North Korean officials are claiming King came to their country to escape unequal and inhumane treatment in the U.S. military.We cover all this and more during this edition of the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Inflation Reduction Act is one year old this week, but what has it actually accomplished? That depends on where you are. While the law provides billions of dollars for the U.S. to transition away from fossil fuels, it's up to local governments to allow the big renewable energy development needed to meet the country's net-zero emissions goal. We discuss the biggests challenges for local governments when it comes to using IRA funding. Later we talk to Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning. We discuss the funding the Bureau received from the IRA and what it's covering. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Whether your mom was a natural cook or a reluctant one. Or if your other parent was the one throwing down in the kitchen, food and the place where it's made live inside of us long after we've eaten. What we inherit from our parents' kitchen and pass along as adults is at the center of a new podcast by award-winning journalist Michele Norris.It's called "Your Mama's Kitchen." Former first lady Michelle Obama joins Michele for the first episode. We speak to Michele about how our experiences in the kitchen shape us outside of it.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The average American home generates roughly 10 thousand kilowatt hours of electricity every year according to the Energy Information Administration. Millions of Americans are transitioning to solar energy. A Pew Research poll last year found 8 percent of households have solar installed already and 39 percent said they're considering making the switch.But the expensive upfront cost of installing solar (on average $16,000 to $23,000) has kept a lot of people from making the switch.We discuss available options for homeowners and renters.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

It's been nearly a year since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 narrowly passed.President Joe Biden's sweeping climate bill has high hopes for fighting climate change, including a pledge to cut U.S. emissions in half by 2030. Some initiatives are working.We discuss the IRA and what other laws need to be passed to progress the fight against climate change.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

President Joe Biden is keeping his monument streak going, this time selecting more than 404,000 hectares of land near the Grand Canyon for protection. The move is welcome news for activists and members of Indigenous nations in the area.It was a busy week for the U.S. overseas, as well. U.S. officials were in Niger this week to attempt facilitating talks between supporters of the captive president and leaders of coup. They were not been allowed to see or speak with President Mohamed Bazoum.And the Biden administration has crafted new regulations on how American businesses can invest in Chinese enterprises. We cover these stories and so much more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Hip-hop is many things – unapologetic, lyrical, rhythmic, and above all, ubiquitous.Since its nebulous "creation" at a party in the Bronx in 1973, hip-hop has become one of the world's most popular genres and cultural expressions.It's also evolved drastically. It's given way to various subgenres – like gangsta rap and drill – and provided the means for talented emcees to be heard around the world.But hip-hop doesn't exist without its controversy. The genre has been seen by many since its inception as a tool to further misogyny, violence and capitalist exploitation.We celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th birthday by discussing the history of the genre and what its future could look like. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

COVID is surging across the globe for the fourth consecutive summer. In the United States, the latest tracking data from the CDC shows a 12 percent rise in hospitalizations due to the virus.Dr. Paul Offit is the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He's also on the FDA Vaccine Advisory Panel.He says the rise in COVID cases due to summer travel is expected. The severity of illness for most people is very low relative to previous summers.In the latest installment of In Good Health, we learn about the slate of new vaccines coming out in this fall for the flu, COVID, and RSV and explore how prepared the United States is for future pandemics.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

If you sank deep into the ocean, where the light no longer reaches, you would see, sitting on the seabed floor, nodules that look just like unassuming rocks.Those grayish clusters are actually filled with vital metals like cobalt, nickel, and copper, which are materials used in the construction of electric cars.Companies and governments are eager to begin deep sea mining for the metals, claiming it would aid in the shift to a greener economy. Others argue this mining could wreak havoc on the marine life we still know so little about. Two weeks ago, international talks about deep-sea mining regulations ended without any rules being set in place. We discuss how harmful the extraction of these metals can be and the future of deep-sea mining. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In June, a state board voted 3-to-2 to approve plans for St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic School. It's named after the seventh-century patron saint of the internet. And it would be the first publicly-funded religious charter school in the country. The school is slated to go online in the fall of 2024 but is already facing legal challenges. On July 31, the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee filed a lawsuit to block the school from receiving taxpayer funds.We discuss the separation of church and state in public education, and what St. Isidore's approval could mean for other schools around the country.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former President Donald Trump was indicted again this week, this time on four charges related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 220 election.Moscow's business district was hit by a drone strike this week, the second attack of its kind on the city since May. And in Ukraine, Russian shelling damaged a landmark church in Kherson and wounded several people.Several countries are evacuating their citizens and personnel from Niger following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum last Wednesday.And the United States Women's National Team has qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The team failed to win at least two of its group-stage games for the first time in its history.We cover all this and more during this edition of the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The U.S. population has grown by more than 20 million people since 2010. But where those new Americans end up is not even across the board.The populations of half of all counties in the U.S. shrank from 2010 to 2020, while those of most metropolitan areas continued to grow.People flock to booming cities for good reasons: jobs, educational opportunities, cultural and recreational activities. But traffic can be a nightmare and housing costs are off the charts.We discuss why and how cities grow, and what impacts growth has on residents and take a look at Utah, the fastest-growing state in the U.S.This show is part of 1A's "Remaking America" project looking at how our government is – and is not – working for everyone. It's a partnership with six public radio stations, including KUT in Austin, Texas.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

About 20 years ago, Congress pretty much agreed on one thing: PEPFAR.President George W. Bush introduced the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in his 2003 State of the Union address. Since then, it's been renewed with little fuss every five years. But abortion politics are changing that, Politicians are reacting to allegations that PEPFAR funds are being used to "promote abortion on demand." Congress needs to decide if it will renew the program by the end of September.We discuss PEPFAR and how the politics around the program became so fraught. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In the 1980s there were roughly 200 lesbian bars across the country. Today, there are less than 30, according to The Lesbian Bar Project.While many gay bars cater to men, spaces for queer women have dwindled.Two years ago, Krista Burton began her journey to find out why. In her book, "Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest To Track Down The Last Remaining Bars In America," Krista traveled to 20 self-proclaimed lesbian bars to speak to patrons and owners.We talk to Krista about her book and discuss why these spaces are disappearing.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Extreme temperatures remind us just how much heat can affect our physical health in dangerous and sometimes deadly ways. More than 600 people die each year in the U.S. from heat-related illnesses. But emerging research shows that hot days can affect our mental health, too. Emergency room visits for mental health issues across age groups rise along with the temperature. And the heat can affect everything from our sleep and mood to our susceptibility to anxiety and depression. We discuss how we can prepare for the effects of heat waves on our brains and bodies.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

A Congressional hearing on UAPs yielded some surprising information this week. Three military veterans appeared before lawmakers on Wednesday, one of whom alleged that the U.S. had recovered "non-human biologics" from supposed UAP crash sights.Overseas, the situation surrounding the military takeover in Niger continues to develop. Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was taken into custody this week by a group of soldiers. The U.S. and UN have raised concerns about regional stability.And heat waves and natural disasters fueled by climate change in Europe and America are making life for citizens unbearable. This includes thousands fleeing their homes in Greece as wildfires rage across the country.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Microsoft's intention to purchase video game developer Activision Blizzard was first announced in January 2022.The Federal Trade Commission issued a complaint against the deal, saying it would harm competition in the gaming market. That case went to trial — and Microsoft came out on top,And the deal still faces roadblocks in the United Kingdom, where the Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked the deal and is now holding a hearing to review it next month.But despite those roadblocks, the deal is set to close. And it may change the business of video games for the foreseeable future. We discuss the buyout and how this acquisition could affect the future of gaming. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Firefighters and fire departments perform a critical service in our communities, including responding to medical emergencies and helping mitigate the effects of natural disasters.But more than 70 percent of fire departments are staffed by volunteers, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.Volunteer fire departments are having to contend with dips in volunteerism and heightened standards for fire and emergency response teams.All the while, climate emergencies are becoming more frequent and dangerous.We discuss volunteer fire departments, and the demands and future of volunteer firefighting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Many of us have likely felt confused by food labels before. But nutrition facts can offer important information about what we're consuming. There are several efforts underway to make the labels on our food more clear for consumers. Earlier this year, a bill was introduced in California that would change the language around expiration dates from "sell by" or "enjoy by" to "use by" or "best if used by" to minimize confusion. And last month, the FDA said it would test out putting nutrition labels on the front of packages in hopes of making them more accessible. We discuss food labels; what you like and hate about them, how to read them, and what they may look like in the future. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For this month's edition of the 1A Movie Club, we're seeing "Barbie." The film's star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell — just to name a few. There's even a Barbie album with original songs from Lizzo, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, and Gosling.The highly anticipated movie arrives in theaters this weekend. It has promised to deliver for Barbie lovers and haters alike.So how did the iconic doll translate to the big screen?We discuss with our Movie Club Panel and Guest Host Celeste Headlee. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

New temperature records were set in the southwest U.S. as climate change continues to push global temperatures to their extremes.Meanwhile, U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry spent time in China this week discussing climate change and carbon with officials in President Xi Jinping's government. Little progress seems to have been made. And President Joe Biden invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit him at the White House before the end of the year. Biden, however, is also urging Netanyahu to not push proposed judicial reforms in his home country.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Ludwig Göransson isn't a stranger to the power music can play in film.He's the composer behind the blockbuster "Black Panther" series, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2019. Now, he's back with "Oppenheimer." It's a historical epic that tells the life story of the father of the atomic bomb.He joins us to talk about his many collaborations and the music that shapes his life and work.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Strikes. Picketing. Protests. One thing has become clear across dozens of industries in recent years. Workers are dissatisfied.To resolve some of their workplace qualms, many workers have taken to organizing. But unions, and the collective bargaining agreements they try to secure, are often stalled by employers.Enter, strikes.A study from Cornell found that strikes were up by 52 percent in 2o22 and involved more than 224,000 workers. And while more than 16 million workers in the United States (about 1 in 10) were represented by a union in 2022, the share of workers represented by a union is declining.That's because union jobs are growing at a slower rate than non-union jobs.It's all happening at a time when most Americans are expressing support for unions. The tight labor market is also in the worker's favor. So, why aren't unions booming?We discuss unions, strikes, and the future of the labor movement. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

About one in ten people have an autoimmune disease, according to a population study of more than 2.2 million people. Autoimmune disease varies widely, and falls into subspecialties across the medical world: dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology , and more — and getting a diagnosis for an autoimmune disease can be long and difficult.Autoimmune diseases affect women and women of color on a far more frequent basis. Lupus is one of these diseases, affecting African American women three times more than white women. We discuss why the diagnostic process for an autoimmune disease is so complicated and why rates of disease are higher for women and women of color.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's about that time of year when your garden may be looking lush or... a little sad. And with this weekend's heatwave hitting a large swath of the U.S., it's getting harder to keep plants alive. Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that people who started gardening not only experienced decreased levels of stress and anxiety but also reduced risk of chronic diseases. Gardening may be good for the body and soul, but it can also be frustrating. We assemble a group of expert gardeners to answer all your planting questions and make your backyard garden dreams come true – or at least try.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Vermont and New York are bracing for more rain and flooding. The capital of the Green Mountain state, Montpelier, was swamped this week after storms dumped two months' worth of water on the city in two days. President Joe Biden declared an emergency in the state and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin distributing aid.Meanwhile, overseas, President Biden met with NATO leaders in Lithuania this week and promised heads of state that the U.S. would remain committed to its allies despite "extreme elements" of the GOP signalling otherwise.The Brazilian government announced that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is down by more than a third this year, so far.The longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands announced he would step down this week, paving the way for a general election.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

More than 20 states across the country have public accommodation laws to prevent businesses from discriminating against customers based on things like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.But a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could put these protections at risk. Last month, in a 6-to-3 decision, the court ruled in it would be unconstitutional under the First Amendment for Lorie Smith, the plaintiff in 303 Creative v. Elenis, to have to create a message she opposes – in this case, a wedding website for a same-sex couple. The case raises big questions about what counts as creative speech under the First Amendment and also about questions about the fate of anti-discrimination protections across the country.We unpack the implications of the Supreme Court decision with legal and First Amendment scholars. This show is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Americana music encompasses country, bluegrass, folk, and blues and has deep roots in Black musical traditions.Long before Lil Nas X pushed the boundaries of what constitutes country music, Black musicians across Americana were reclaiming space in the genre.Many of those musicians found celebration and support in the Black Opry, a collective of Black artists that perform Americana music, founded online by Holly G in Nashville.This year, the Black Opry partnered up with WXPN to launch the Black Opry Residency, a weeklong program that provides resources and support for unsigned Black Americana musicians.We explore how and why the residency program came to be and what it means for the future of Black Americana musicians.This is a part of our series called "Local Spotlight," where we'll cover local stories that deserve national attention. Have a suggestion about what we should feature? You know where to find us.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

While you may not be a fan of the heart pumping, adrenaline boosting feeling of a roller coaster's twists and turns, for others, it's the best part of the warmer months or even a core memory of their childhood. But recently, two roller coasters hit the headlines for less than awesome reasons. Riders at a Wisconsin festival were stuck upside down for around three hours after a mechanical failure. And a North Carolina man spotted a massive crack in a coaster support beam after his family had been on the ride.We discuss the safety of roller coasters and what's next for coaster engineering.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Noise is unavoidable. Whether it's the rumbling of a freight train as it moves along the tracks in your backyard or the constant drip of your leaky faucet – we're surrounded by it.Qualities of sound, like frequency and loudness, impact how your body responds to a particular source of noise.A growing body of research says that chronic noise exposure is putting nearly a third of Americans at heightened risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks.In this installment of our series, "In Good Health," we explore noise and its impact on our lives. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

A federal judge told the Biden administration officials and several federal agencies this week to stop communicating with social media platforms. The decision is in response to a lawsuit brought by several states against the administration concerning efforts to combat misinformation.More than 20 mass shootings occurred across the country this holiday week. At least 20 people were killed and more than 120 were injured in shootings in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Fort Worth.Meanwhile, an Israeli Defense Force operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin left at least twelve Palestinians dead and more than one hundred and twenty injured. Tuesday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth. The record for global temperature is one that scientists are predicting will be shattered many times in the coming years.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

As anxieties over automation mount, AI is already responsible for the employment of millions of workers globally.From chatbots to text-to-image generators, AI relies on human workers labeling and annotating the millions of images and words it references. But the work of feeding information to AI can be tedious, with unreliable pay and few opportunities for growth.We discuss the workforce powering AI and Congress' plans to regulate the industry. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Kids these days are busy.Even when school is out and it's time to close the books (or maybe, a laptop) time in the summer can fill up quickly. Often, with sports. Whether they're kicking a ball with the neighbors, going to the park for a game of pick-up basketball, traveling in Little League, heading to the Y for a swim, or even hitting a heavy bag, sports are everywhere in our early lives. But getting involved in organized sports as a kid can be expensive. Some communities pull together to offer discounted programs or transportation for kids who don't have access to it.We discuss how youth sports have changed over the years and what factors go into picking the right sport. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

First introduced by immigrants in the 1800s, hot dogs have become synonymous with sports, summer, and the Fourth of July. And no other food starts debates quite like hot dogs – what's the best way to cook them? What's the best brand? What toppings are and aren't allowed? Are they sandwiches? Should we even eat them?We discuss the evolution of one of America's favorite foods and talk about some of your favorite ways to top them.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Friendships are one of the few relationships that we choose. They can last longer than our romantic relationships and be just as intimate. They can take on the role of family if our own falls short. Having friends is an important part of the human experience. But over the past few years, adult friendship has been on the decline. And men are suffering the most from it. According to the Survey Center on American Life, the percentage of men with at least six close friends has fallen by half since 1990. One in five single men says he has zero close friends. We speak to two psychologists who specialize in friendships and men. We also hear from two guys who've been best friends for 30 years on how they keep the love alive.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court struck down race-conscious admissions at two universities, setting the stage for other college and university admissions policies.Meanwhile, Canadian wildfires are wreaking new havoc in the Upper Midwest of the US, creating dense smog and unsafe air qualities in major American cities.Around the world, the questions of what's next for Russia after a dramatic but short-lived mutiny was cut short by the leader of the Wagner Group – Yevgeny Progozhin?Violent protests in France begin again after a teenager is killed during a police stop.The Swedish government approves a Quran-burning demonstration outside of a mosque, coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Adha.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is illegal. It is listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the U.S. federal government (the same group as marijuana and psilocybin, or magic mushrooms).In recent years, a growing body of academic research has suggested potential benefits of MDMA. One study found that MDMA-enhanced therapy dramatically reduced PTSD symptoms. Another showed that psychedelics like MDMA could reopen so-called critical periods of time when brains are especially impressionable and open to learning.Rachel Nuwer's new book, "I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World," explores the history and potential of the so-called love drug.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The U.S. is battling a years-long, devastating opioid epidemic. Last year saw 79,770 reported opioid-involved drug overdose deaths, a 1.5 percent decrease from the previous year, according to data from the CDC.Nevertheless, the opioid crisis has upended traditional family structures. Many parents have died from overdosing, become incarcerated, or are otherwise unable to care for their children due to substance abuse.As a result, more and more children are being raised primarily by their grandparents in what are known as grandfamilies.Grandfamilies face unique challenges, as caregivers contend with stigma, dwindling income, deficits in technological savvy, and health issues related to aging.What kind of support do grandfamilies need to raise successful children? We explore how the opioid crisis is affecting grandparent caregivers with a panel of experts.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

More than 122,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to be in solitary confinement, according to a report by Solitary Watch and Unlock the Box. That number is far greater than previous estimates.The United Nations says that prolonged solitary confinement can be psychological torture. We talk with our panel about the use of solitary confinement across the U.S. in federal and state prisons as well as local jails.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find more shows and information online.

In May, legislators in Connecticut passed a resolution to exonerate people accused of being witches in the seventeenth century.Dozens of people were killed, mostly women, over accused witchcraft in the U.S. in the 1600s and early 1700s. It's estimated that nearly 50,000 people were killed in Europe based purely on superstition.We talk with our guests about the phenomenon of witch trials, their lasting impact, and what exoneration can mean to us now in 2023.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Find more shows and information online.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal trying to get ahead of a report released by ProPublica detailing unreported trips he took with a billionaire who had business before the court.Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Congress this week. The search for a submarine carrying tourists to the wreck of the Titanic gripped the attention of people around the world. Hope of finding the five people aboard has now passed. And at least seven Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. Hundreds more were injured as soldiers fired live ammunition.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

A year ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, upending abortion law across the country. With Roe v. Wade overturned, what could replace it? WNYC's Supreme Court podcast "More Perfect" takes up that question in a two-part series. The two episodes focus on the origins of the viability line—that's the line that determines when a fetus is viable outside the womb.That line was around 24 weeks as defined by Roe v. Wade. Now it's whenever the state decides. We discuss the viability line in post-Roe America. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

For carpenter Mark Ellison, a house, a staircase, a doorway are opportunities for beauty. Ellison has been called many things, including the best carpenter in New York City and the man who builds impossible things. His specialty is lavish and challenging projects, and his clients have included the late David Bowie and the late Robin Williams. But in his new book, "Building: A Carpenter's Notes on Life and the Art of Good Work," Ellison is less interested in these extravagant projects and more interested in what they've taught him: how to build a life worth living. We speak about that life and what he's learned in it.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Our names are important to us. They tell us who we are and often, who we come from.So imagine suddenly discovering the last name you've always carried... might not actually be the name you should have. For Black Americans, genealogy can fill in the blanks left by the legacy of slavery and racism in the U.S. Services like the Freedmen's Bureau and Slave Voyages provide free access to records and documents to help with that search.We talk about the power of genealogy in fostering knowledge and connection for Black Americans.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

On May 2, 1963, hundreds of school-age kids in Birmingham, Alabama, woke up with a plan. Through coded messages broadcast by local radio DJs, they were given the signal to leave the classroom and meet at the park for a peaceful protest against segregation in the city. These actions by students brought national attention—and a new momentum—to the civil rights movement, support for which had been waning as more adults were jailed and reluctant to be arrested.Civil rights leaders, including James Bevel, recruited young people to participate in a peaceful demonstration which became known as the Children's Crusade. Hundreds of kids were arrested by police for parading without a permit. Images of police dogs and firehoses being used on students in the city highlighted the injustices in Birmingham and prompted President John F. Kennedy to express support for federal civil rights legislation. We discuss the Children's Crusade and it's impact 60 years later. This conversation was recorded in April as part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country, including WBHM. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts of mishandling classified documents this week. GOP politicians are split on the matter. The Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act on Thursday. The law gives priority to Native tribes when children from the community are up for adoption.Meanwhile, the United Nations is reporting that a record number of people around the world have been displaced by war, climate crises, and human rights abuses. And the European Union is moving to regulate the usage of artificial intelligence. It's the first governing body in the world to tackle the issue in a major way.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Forget the waltz and the tango. For this show, we're headed to a different kind of ball. In these spaces, Houses compete in different walking and dancing competitions.It's long influenced important parts of American pop culture. Beyoncé's "Renaissance," Madonna's "Vogue", the award-winning show "Pose,"and HBO Max's reality show "Legendary" all highlight or borrow from ballroom culture. Its history has also been recorded in documentaries like "Paris Is Burning" or the more recent "How Do I Look."We discuss the history of ballroom culture, what it looks like today, and how it can be a place for political organization.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Experts have repeatedly said that the world has to stop burning fossil fuels if we want to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis.The latest United Nations climate report reminded us just how soon that needs to happen. The U.S. should cut two-thirds of fossil fuels in the next decade.When it comes to carbon-free energy, many people think of renewables like solar or wind. But there's also the nuclear option. Nuclear currently accounts for 20 percent of our electricity production, according to the Energy Information Administration. We discuss where nuclear energy fits into a carbon-free future and how safe the nuclear power we already have is.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us online.

The most common store in the U.S.? It's not Target, not Walmart, or Walgreens.It's Dollar General.The chain boasts more than 19,000 locations across the country. According to the American Public Health Association, dollar stores are the fastest-growing food retailers in the country, but they don't usually provide the same amount of fresh produce as conventional grocery stores.Now, dozens of cities are moving to limit the number of dollar stores opening in their communities.We discuss the playbook city reps are using to regulate their local market.This show is part of 1A's "Remaking America" project looking at how our government is – and is not – working for everyone.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In 2021, the structural damage from wildfires, floods, and other climate-related disasters totaled $145 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Homeowners are feeling the effects. Between 2021 and 2022, 90 percent of them saw an increase in their home insurance premiums, according to a Policygenius report.Earlier this month, Colorado Democrats introduced a bill that would offer homeowners state-run insurance if private companies declined to cover them. The move comes in response to the growing wildfire risk in the state. We discuss homeowner's insurance in high-risk areas and whether or not it's the right answer. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The East Coast deals with the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada that's blown south. Images out of New York City this week show haze and orange skies. Justice Department prosecutors have informed Former President Donald Trump's legal team that he is being investigated for the mishandling of classified documents.Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and China grow and tempers flared at an annual defense summit held in Singapore.Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva takes a stand against the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. He unveiled a plan on Monday to stop the illegal felling of trees in the rainforest. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Friendships are one of the few relationships that we choose. They can last longer than our romantic relationships and be just as intimate. They can take on the role of family if our own falls short. Having friends is an important part of the human experience. But over the past few years, adult friendship has been on the decline. And men are suffering the most from it. According to the Survey Center on American Life, the percentage of men with at least six close friends has fallen by half since 1990. One in five single men says he has zero close friends. We speak to two psychologists who specialize in friendships and men. We also hear from two guys who've been best friends for 30 years on how they keep the love alive.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In the 1980s there were roughly 200 lesbian bars across the country. Today, there are less than 30, according to The Lesbian Bar Project.While many gay bars cater to men, spaces for queer women have dwindled.Two years ago, Krista Burton began her journey to find out why. In her book, "Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest To Track Down The Last Remaining Bars In America," Krista traveled to 20 self-proclaimed lesbian bars to speak to patrons and owners.We talk to Krista about her book and discuss why these spaces are disappearing.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Major League Baseball made some changes to the way the game is played in recent years. Some of the new rules include bigger bases, limits on shifting, and a new pitch timer.The minor leagues were the testing grounds for these new rules. But many teams are finding their own ways to make the game engaging for the community. Even ones not affiliated with the MLB are trying to make it worth it for a family spending a hot summer day in the stadium.We talk about the state of the game and hear your thoughts on America's Pastime. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us online.

Isabel Allende is no stranger to the experience of being an immigrant and refugee. When a military coup overthrew the Chilean presidency in 1973—led by her cousin, Salvador Allende—her family fled to Venezuela, where she penned her first novel "The House of Spirits."Her latest book, "The Wind Knows My Name," juxtaposes the experiences of a child fleeing Nazi-occupied territory in Europe in 1938, and another child fleeing danger in El Salvador and facing family separation at the U.S. border in 2019.We discuss Allende's newest novel and how literature can help make sense of the complex world around us. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on our website, www.the1a.org.

More than 60 years — that's how long Tina Turner's music career blessed crowds. With her powerful vocals, she brought house after house down with her thrilling performances. She died last week at her home in Switzerland. She was 83 years old. The numbers are impressive. But the impact she had on those who listened to her music is what many are remembering in the wake of her passing. We get the 1A Record Club together to remember Turner and talk about her legacy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The House passed a deal to raise the debt ceiling this week in an attempt to avoid an economic disaster. Now, it moves to the Senate where amendments are expected.Meanwhile, overseas a top Russian official said U.K. lawmakers are legitimate military targets after the British foreign secretary argued that Ukraine has the right to use military force within Russia's borders.A new law passed in Uganda would sentence a gay person to life in prison and maybe even the death penalty. The bill's signing prompted criticism from human rights groups. And Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won another four years in office after being pushed to a runoff election.We cover all this and more during the this edition of the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) defines the straw purchase of firearms as "purchasing a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the transaction."City officials have tried to enact tougher policies aimed at curbing the practice but were Other cities and states have found ways to push back on illegal trafficking. The issue has attracted federal attention, too. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed last summer, stiffened penalties for straw purchasing.We zoom in on the issue in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, before getting the nationwide picture from the ATF director.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

This has been a record year for legislation aimed at trans youth. More than a dozen states have passed laws limiting gender-affirming care for minors.This month Texas became the largest state to do so. The new state law bans hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and gender-affirming surgeries for people under the age of 18. It also includes language about "weaning" trans youth off medication that is not "medically appropriate." Medical experts say there is no safe way to do so.It passed both chambers of the state legislature and is on Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. Abbott said he would sign the bill. We discuss the bill and what it means for families and medical providers. We also revisit our conversation from November 2022 in Austin, Texas.This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country, including KUT in Austin. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

"The Little Mermaid" is back. This time, the Disney classic is reimagined in live action.Many elements from the 1989 cartoon musical have stayed the same — there's a singing crab, a mermaid king, and a tentacled sea-witch. But a new, diverse cast brings the characters to life, or at least to CGI. And they're led by Halle Bailey, who stars as Ariel.We discuss how the remake holds up and the Disney live-action remake formula.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's estimated that sleep disorders affect between 50 and 70 million people in America. That includes conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. But depictions of living with a sleep disorder — like those in The Simpsons — don't always get it right.Even without a disorder, how we sleep has a major impact on our health. It affects our immune system, hormones, and heart health.The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation helps fund sleep research and clinics like CHI-PAP in Chicago, but treatments for sleep issues are still costly. Getting a sleep study done in a lab usually costs between $1,000 and $10,000.We discuss sleep disorders, how we treat them, and sleep hygiene.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Talks in Washington on the debt ceiling are reportedly not going well. President Joe Biden has remained upbeat in his public comments on the situation. But Congressional Republicans say there's still a ways to go before they'll agree to any sort of deal.Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis attempted to announce his 2024 Presidential bid via Twitter Spaces this week. However, the online meeting was marred by technical difficulties, despite the social media platform's owner, Elon Musk, being present.Meanwhile, the head of the Wagner mercenary group fighting in Ukraine said that he's lost more than 20,000 troops during the invasion. Meanwhile, the European Union is exploring ways to send billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine to fund its war effort.Elsewhere in Europe, countries are taking steps to fight climate change. France banned short flights in order to cut emissions from the use of jet fuel and Germany is considering banning gas boilers.And we remember the legendary Tina Turner who passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 83, in her home in Switzerland.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

This week, The Atlantic magazine published an exclusive interview with Harlan Crow, the ultra-rich real estate developer whose friendship and financial relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is the subject of much scrutiny. The interview was done by Atlantic staff writer Graeme Wood at Crow's home in Dallas, Texas. Crow told Wood, "My hope is that this is the last conversation I have on this topic in public."Wood joins Jenn White with the latest.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Fifty years ago, Princeton University ethicist Peter Singer made the case that humans assume they're morally superior to other animals and that their actions against them are justified.At the time, speciesism was a radical concept that was adopted by some animal rights groups but was largely ignored by the general public.Today, roughly 10 to 15 percent of Americans identify as vegan or vegetarian according to researchers at Oklahoma State and Kansas State University. But Singer argues there's still much more progress that needs to be made on animal rights.His new book "Animal Liberation Now" revisits the themes of his 1975 seminal classic, Animal Liberation, and examines how the animal rights movement intersects with climate change, social justice, and more.We discuss his latest book and the animal rights movement. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Today marks one year since the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, left 19 children and two teachers dead.Even though nearly 400 officers were at the scene, it took over an hour for police to get to the gunman. The police response was widely viewed as a failure, but investigations into what exactly happened that day remain ongoing. The families of the victims are still searching for answers. So far this year, there have been 22 school shootings and 234 mass shootings in the U.S. We discuss the shooting in Uvalde a year later. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Every year, thousands flock to the south of France to watch the most anticipated movie premieres from directors around the world.The titles on show at this year's Cannes Film Festival are stirring up excitement in cinephiles everywhere and for good reason. It's also happening amid a backdrop of social and political unrest in France, and a weeks-long writers' strike in Hollywood.We dive into all the happenings from Cannes with a panel of experts.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The U.S. has the highest number of pregnancy-related death of any developed nation. During the pandemic, those numbers increased. According to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal mortality rose for the third consecutive year in 2021. And while the CDC's report covers maternal mortality during the height of the pandemic, factors like age and other pregnancy-related illnesses contributed to the number of deaths reported. We discuss why Americans continue to die during childbirth and what resources expecting parents have to combat the crisis.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

We collaborated with our friends at Bloomberg News to bring you the 'Life and Debt' series. We covered everything from the federal debt ceiling, medical debt, credit cards, and the impact of student loans. Today we're bringing you an episode of Bloomberg News' daily podcast, The Big Take.Bloomberg Businessweek contributor Mary Pilon joins host Wes Kosova this episode to talk about the promise–and challenges–of building a fanbase for the Women's Football Alliance, an all-female, full-contact league that has 60 teams in four divisions across 32 states. And we head to a nighttime practice of the DC Divas, to hear from the players and coaches about why they love the game and what it means for women to play tackle football. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Joe Biden is coming home. The President is cutting his trip to Japan for the G7 meeting short to help negotiate a deal ahead of the debt ceiling deadline on June 1.Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been busy. In recent days, he's met with the Pope, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to drum up support for his country's war against the Russian invasion.The CIA is urging Russian citizens to share secrets about its country's war efforts with the U.S. in a new video posted to Telegram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average student loan debt balance is upwards of $40,000. And the cost of college keeps rising. Over the past 20 years, college tuition at in-state public universities has risen 175 percent. The numbers can be dizzying, especially for recent high school grads.Currently, the Supreme Court is deciding the fate of President Joe Biden's student relief plan. At the same time, the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments is set to end. For over three years now, borrowers haven't had to pay a dime, but it all may be about to change.We wrap up our Life and Debt series in collaboration with Bloomberg to look at student debt and what comes next for student loan borrowers.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported last year that there's around $88 billion of medical debt in collections, and about 43 million Americans have medical debt on their credit report. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – three major credit reporting companies in the U.S. – have eased how much medical debt impacts someone's credit score. The companies no longer include medical debt that is paid off or less than a year old on a report.But a medical bill can be plenty stressful before it goes to a debt collector. People often turn to crowdfunding sources like GoFundMe to help pay those costs when they get them.We continue our series with Bloomberg News with a discussion about medical debt in the U.S. and how we deal with it. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Credit cards seem like a great deal. But interest rates, late fees, and the cycle of debt can come back to bite cardholders. Nearly half of U.S. credit card owners had an average of more than $5,200 in outstanding debt in 2022. Credit card debt overall is at a historic high. In the last three months of 2022, credit card balances in the U.S. rose from $61 billion to nearly $990 billion according to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. It's likely to surpass $1 trillion this year.We discuss why credit card debt is so high and what cardholders can do to break the cycle of debt.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Congressional leaders will meet with President Joe Biden next week to discuss the federal debt ceiling as they face a looming deadline to avoid a default on U.S. debt obligations. The Treasury Department has warned that if an agreement isn't reached prior to June 1, there could be severe implications for global markets and the U.S. economy. The federal debt ceiling has been in place for more than a hundred years. But it's been the subject of consistent conflicts internally between congressional leaders and the White House for more than a decade now. We discuss debt ceiling and potential solutions to avoid a government default. It's the first installment of our ongoing series with Bloomberg: Life and Debt.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It made for an unlikely hit in 1966.The authentic Chicago blues sound of "Wang Dang Doodle" packed a punch and put a hole through the popular and poppier tunes at the time.Koko Taylor was born Cora Walton in Tennessee in 1935. For this song, she teamed up with blues composer, bassist, and producer Willie Dixon.She was backed by a team that included Buddy Guy and a cast of characters featuring "Automatic Slim" and "Razor Totin' Jim."Taylor went on to become one of the great voices of Chicago Blues. But what is a "Wang Dang Doodle?"We hear from singer Bonnie Raitt, actor Dan Akroyd, artist Shemekia Copeland, and producer Bruce Iglauer.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Border restrictions put into place during the pandemic ended this week. The controversial policy known as Title 42 expired on May 11, and states on the Southern border are preparing for a surge of migrants.Republican Congressman from New York George Santos turned himself in this week to authorities over charges of stealing money from his campaign, lying to donors, and lying to Congress.Former President Donald Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll by a New York jury this week.Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces broke through advancing Russian forces near the city of Bakhmut. The Pentagon announced another $1.2 billion in aid for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

"Um, like, literally, you know?"If those words sound to you like nails on a chalkboard, you're not alone. At NPR, we get lots of messages from listeners critiquing the way our hosts, reporters, and guests speak. Why does what we say and how we say it irk so many so much?Language norms are standardized over time, most often by groups with the most power in society. Words that some dismiss often have greater meaning, value, and history than you might expect.We talk to sociolinguist Valerie Fridland about why she's arguing for the good in so-called bad English.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Abortions are now illegal in 12 states, according to the Guttmacher Institute. That means many pregnant people now have to travel hundreds of miles to get an abortion.When Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land, it took on average 30 minutes for an abortion patient to get to a clinic. Now it takes an hour and ten minutes, according to a 2022 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association.Abortion patients now have to go to "safe haven" states like Kansas. But can these states keep up with the increased demand?We discuss safe haven states, and how grassroots groups are helping those seeking abortions get there. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. The series explores Americans' trust in institutions and the health of our democracy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The AR-15 is the best-selling rifle in America.According to polling by The Washington Post and Ipsos, about 1 in 20 adults, or roughly 16 million people in the U.S., own an AR-15.It's been used in 10 of the 17 most deadly mass shootings in the United States since 2012. And while they weren't initially designed for civilian use, they've become a powerful symbol for pro-gun advocates.We get into the rise and history of the AR-15, and how its cultural legacy impacts the gun law debate.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It's been more than a week since the 11,500 television and film writers that make up the Writers Guild of America have gone on strike. Thousands of writers have joined picket lines to demand higher compensation, increase the number of writers hired per show, and regulation on how networks and streaming companies can use artificial intelligence.This is the first writer's strike in 15 years. The last strike lasted 100 days. Many industry analysts believe this one could last even longer given the number of production companies involved in the negotiating process and their varied demands.We assemble a panel of writers, academics, and industry experts to discuss the strike and how it could impact the future of film and television.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website

Diamonds are more than just pretty objects. Passed down over centuries, they can tell the story of their pasts. But that story isn't always a happy one. For many South Asians, the diamond that invokes this painful colonial history is the Kohinoor diamond. It's one of the largest diamonds in the world. And it was taken during British colonial rule in the 19th century from what is now modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Today, the diamond belongs to the British royal family. But the death of Queen Elizabeth last September revived calls for its return.We discuss how artifacts taken during colonial periods should be handled in modern times, and what empires owe the people they've colonized.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Winifred Phillips is a video game music composer. She describes this history-making entry into the National Recording Registry as, "one of the, if not the most memorable game music melodies ever created."The audio that's selected for the Registry is based on their historical, cultural or aesthetic importance to American society. The registry includes all kinds of audio: from music and radio broadcasts, to speeches, audiobooks, and comedy performances.For this installment of Sounds of America, we profile music that was composed for a video game. The original Super Mario Brothers was released by Nintendo in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System.To help tell the story behind the Super Mario Brothers video game theme music, we speak to its composer Koji Kondo, Super Mario actor Charles Martinet, video game music composer Winifred Phillips, and author Jeff Ryan.The Sounds of America is produced by Jennie Cataldo for Accompany Studios.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told lawmakers that the federal government could run out of money to pay its debts as soon as June 1 if the debt ceiling isn't raised. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing surrounding Supreme Court ethics. Justice Clarence Thomas reportedly accepted more luxury gifts from a billionaire Republican donor that he failed to disclose. On Thursday, Russia claimed that Ukraine tried to assassinate its president, Vladimir Putin, by attacking the Kremlin with a drone. According to Russian officials, no one was harmed. Ukraine has denied the allegations.It will be a weekend of pomp and pageantry in the United Kingdom as Charles is officially crowned King on Saturday. The country has been gearing up all this week.We discuss the week's biggest headlines during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Judy Blume's 1970's classic book, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." The novel wasn't initially well-received when it was published, being banned in libraries and schools, including the one Blume's children went to. It follows an 11-year-old Margaret stepping into the world of adolescence (breasts, boys, and periods included) and exploring her religious identity along the way. Her father, Jewish, and her mother, Christian, kept religion out of Margaret's upbringing to allow her to decide her faith for herself. Now, the story has the film treatment by writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig. For this edition of the 1A Movie Club, we discuss periods, adolescence, and grappling with your identity.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Close to 600, 000 people in the U.S. don't have a home of their own, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Of those in America experiencing homelessness, 40 percent of them are living outdoors or in buildings not meant for human habitation.Often, this takes the form of homeless encampments. Equally often, cities cities spend time and money forcing people out of them. One option cities are looking to are sanctioned encampments. These are places where unhoused folks can pitch a tent and live without the threat of law enforcement telling them to leave. They can have varying degrees of services, from basic sanitation like porta-potties, to on-site case management. We discuss camping bans, homeless navigation centers, and housing-first approaches. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website. This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

We are all – to some degree – stressed. And that can affect just how much we feel like saying hello to that person on the street or holding the elevator for the person we see around the corner.We discuss whether small gestures of manners and etiquette matter anymore.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast.

On May 2, 1963, hundreds of school-age kids in Birmingham, Alabama, woke up with a plan. Through coded messages broadcast by local radio DJs, they were given the signal to leave the classroom and meet at the park for a peaceful protest against segregation in the city. These actions by students brought national attention—and a new momentum—to the civil rights movement, support for which had been waning as more adults were jailed and reluctant to be arrested.Civil rights leaders, including James Bevel, recruited young people to participate in a peaceful demonstration which became known as the Children's Crusade. Hundreds of kids were arrested by police for parading without a permit. Images of police dogs and firehoses being used on students in the city highlighted the injustices in Birmingham and prompted President John F. Kennedy to express support for federal civil rights legislation. We discuss the Children's Crusade and it's impact 60 years later. This conversation was recorded in April as part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country, including WBHM. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The settlement of opioid lawsuits means that states are seeing an influx of money. Purdue, Walgreens, and Johnson & Johnson are just a few of the companies pumping over $50 billion into state and municipal budgets for addiction treatment and prevention.But what that treatment and prevention looks like is up to interpretation. Conversations about how to spend the money are turning contentious. In Pennsylvania, advocates are pushing back against some of that money going to law enforcement. In New York and San Francisco, groups pushing to fund safe injection sites are running into roadblocks.And there's another issue. Many states aren't being transparent about how the funds are being spent.Aneri Pattani of Kaiser Health News shares her reporting on where those settlement funds are going. We discuss how states are spending that money, and what goes into making those decisions. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Every year, 25 audio recordings are added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. The registry contains recordings of all types, from music and radio broadcasts to dramatic performances and speeches. This does not mean they necessarily originated in America or that they were created by Americans. But all have had some significant impact on American culture or history. Our series, "The Sounds of America" takes a closer look at some of these selections.This edition profiles the British pop duo Eurythmics, best known for their 1983 hit "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart take us inside the story of the song, the part played by a U.S. disc jockey, being dirt poor, and the role of a cow.The Sounds of America is produced by Jennie Cataldo for Accompany Studios.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

It was a big week at the White House. President Joe Biden announced his plans to run for reelection in 2024. Washington became the 10th state to ban the sale of semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15.Meanwhile, supply shortages are impacting the citizens of Sudan as the fighting in its capital Khartoum continues, despite the agreement of a three-day truce. Thousands of people are fleeing as foreign governments are working to get visitors and diplomats out of the country.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since his country was invaded by Russia. However, during the phone call, Chinese officials reportedly never spoke the words "Russia" or "war."We cover the most important stories during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

On April 23, 2013, a group of garment factories collapsed in Rana Plaza near Dhaka, Bangladesh. The accident killed more than 1,100 people and injured at least 2,500. It's considered the deadliest accident in the history of the modern garment industry.It's been a decade, but the garment industry is still far from safe for workers. Factories like the one in Rana Plaza aren't unique to Bangladesh. And safety for these workers is not just an issue overseas. We discuss what's changed in the decade since the Rana Plaza collapse. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Lawmakers in Republican-led states are proposing and passing legislation to roll back child labor regulations.In states like Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas, newly passed or pending laws allow companies to hire children without work permits and allow children to work longer hours under more dangerous conditions in places like construction sites, meat packing plants, and automobile factories.Meanwhile, the Biden administration is struggling to enforce existing federal regulations on child labor.We discuss how child labor laws are changing from state to state.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In a statement on Monday, the Fox News said it's parting ways with its biggest star, Tucker Carlson. Before his firing, Carlson had the most-watched show on cable news, with more than 3 million viewers each night. His influence didn't just reach voters, but lawmakers too.We discuss what Tucker Carlson's departure means for the future of conservative media and the Republican party.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

One in six people across the globe experiences infertility, according to a report the World Health Organization published this month.Going through fertility treatment can be a long, hard process and very costly.For the first discussion in our new series "In Good Health," we talk about what it's like to experience infertility and seek treatment for it.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

An estimated 16,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia or Russian-controlled territory since the start of the war. That's according to Ukraine's National Information Bureau. But some human rights experts place the number in the hundreds of thousands. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for the unlawful transfer of children out of Ukraine. We discuss the latest in the war and the fight to get Ukrainian children back home. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Every year, 25 audio recordings are added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Each has been chosen because of its historical, cultural, or aesthetic importance to our nation's audio heritage.In this edition of "The Sounds of America," we speak about a recording from astrophysicist and author Carl Sagan. He was committed to making science more accessible through his speaking engagements, his media projects (such as the television series "Cosmos"), and his popular science books.In 1994, Sagan published a book called "Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space." It was inspired by a photograph of Earth taken from so far away in space that the planet looks like a pale blue dot. Sagan voiced the audiobook of Pale Blue Dot himself. And this recording has been selected for the 2023 National Recording Registry.Want to add a recording you think should be added to the National Recording Registry? Your nomination must meet three conditions; there needs to be an existing physical copy of the recording, it has to be at least ten years old, and it has to have had some significant impact on American culture. Just send the library an email recregistry@loc.gov.The Sounds of America is produced by Jennie Cataldo for Accompany Studios.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Dominion Voting Systems settled its lawsuit with Fox Corp. this week for $787.5 million, making it one of the most expensive defamation payouts in American history. An 84-year-old white man was charged this week for the shooting of a Black teenager who mistakenly went to the wrong address in Kansas City, Mo., to pick up his siblings. Ralph Yarl, the victim, survived the attack and is recuperating at home with his family.Meanwhile, violence continues to plague Sudan as warring factions ignore agreed-upon ceasefires meant to allow citizens and diplomats to evacuate and humanitarian workers to administer aid.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

"Um, like, literally, you know?"If those words sound to you like nails on a chalkboard, you're not alone. At NPR, we get lots of messages from listeners critiquing the way our hosts, reporters, and guests speak. Why does what we say and how we say it irk so many so much?Language norms are standardized over time, most often by groups with the most power in society. Words that some dismiss often have greater meaning, value, and history than you might expect.We talk to sociolinguist Valerie Fridland about why she's arguing for the good in so-called bad English.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

In 2021, the structural damage from wildfires, floods, and other climate-related disasters totaled $145 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Homeowners are feeling the effects. Between 2021 and 2022, 90 percent of them saw an increase in their home insurance premiums, according to a Policygenius report.Earlier this month, Colorado Democrats introduced a bill that would offer homeowners state-run insurance if private companies declined to cover them. The move comes in response to the growing wildfire risk in the state. We discuss homeowner's insurance in high-risk areas and whether or not it's the right answer. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

There have been 164 mass shootings in the U.S. just this year, according to the National Gun Violence Archive.As gun legislation stalls in Congress, gun violence in the U.S. continues to rise, leaving states and cities to grapple with safety measures on their own. One solution is gaining traction: community violence prevention programs. During the first four years of Baltimore's program, researchers found homicides dropped by 32 percent. They also identified some challenges these programs face.We discuss what exactly these programs do and how effective they really are. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Supper clubs burst onto the scene in America in the 1930s. Back then, they were places where you could get a meal and dance.One fictional venue, set in northern Minnesota, is the stage for a new book by J. Ryan Stradal.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. You can also connect with us on our website.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been on the bench for almost 32 years. For more than 25 of those years, he's been close with a billionaire Republican donor. A ProPublica investigation found that Justice Thomas went on luxury trips with Dallas billionaire Harlan Crow for 20 years and did not include them on his financial disclosures. Justice Thomas said he consulted with his colleagues at the beginning of his tenure on the court. It was his understanding that he didn't need to report "personal hospitality from close personal friends."The Senate Judiciary Committee plans on holding a hearing to discuss the Supreme Court's ethical standards. We discuss the rules that govern what justices can do and who they can have relationships with. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

The Library of Congress is famous for its collection of American cultural treasures.     And each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses just 25 pieces of audio to showcase the rich heritage of America's recorded sound — an audio hall of fame.Those being inducted this year have just been announced. The inductees include Madonna and Mariah Carey, the Super Mario Bros. theme, and Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina."For the return of our series, The Sounds of America, we sat down with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden to talk about this year's new honorees. We later revisit one of the selections from 2021.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Amid an uncertain future surrounding the abortion medication mifepristone, Democratic governors across the nation are stockpiling the drug in order to protect abortion access in their states.A young, racist gun enthusiast is reportedly responsible for one of the worst intelligence leaks in Pentagon history. The man worked at a military base and posted classified material about Ukraine's efforts in its fight against Russia to a Discord server.Chinese President Xi Jinping is spending his time these days meeting with global leaders. So far he's met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva landed on Wednesday for his visit.Two people are dead and some 20 people are missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Tunisia this week. The U.N. reports that 441 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean so far in 2023.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

NASA recently announced the crew members for the upcoming Artemis II Mission – among them, the first woman and person of color to go to the moon. The initial mission objective is to land on the lunar surface in 2025.According to NASA, this trip will serve as the foundation for its next ambitious mission: send astronauts to Mars.We sit down with two former NASA astronauts and answer your questions. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. You can also connect with us on our website.

The Trump-appointed Texas judge has ruled to revoke the FDA's approval of mifepristone – a drug used in miscarriage care and medication abortions.Soon after, in Washington, a different federal judge ruled to keep mifepristone available. Many legal experts are saying Supreme Court intervention might not be far off.What do the conflicting court hearings mean for access to abortion pills in America?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. You can also connect with us on our website.

We are all – to some degree – stressed. And that can affect just how much we feel like saying hello to that person on the street or holding the elevator for the person we see around the corner.We discuss whether small gestures of manners and etiquette matter anymore.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast.

Several states have adopted or introduced legislation this year about student behavior and school discipline. Many of these bills would make it easier to kick students out of the classroom anywhere between a day and a year.Proponents say getting tougher on students will empower teachers, keeping them on the job amidst a nationwide educator shortage. Opponents point to the impact that punitive measures have on students of color and students with disabilities.We take a look at a recently adopted law in Kentucky and what research says about punitive versus restorative practices in schools.This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

For 40 years, U.S. News and World Report has released rankings of the nation's top colleges, universities, and graduate schools. They've been used in advertising materials for schools and showcased in the national media. But in recent months, dozens of the nation's top-ranked institutions have stopped providing data to the publication.Yale University Law School was the top law school in the country in the U.S. News ranking for years, then chose to stop cooperating in November of last year. Forty more law schools, including 12 of the top 14 ranked in the country followed suit. Some undergraduate schools also decided they would no longer participate in the U.S. News and World Report rankings.We discuss how important these rankings should be for prospective students. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Former President Donald Trump was indicted this week. He was arraigned in a New York City courthouse on Tuesday and plead not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.Extreme weather continues to ravage many parts of the South. At least 32 people have been killed in the region by multiple tornadoes.Sunday's NCAA women's basketball championship game drew record viewership this year. The LSU Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 102 to 85.Meanwhile overseas, Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization this week, doubling the alliance's border with Russia. Now, all eyes turn to Sweden as the country faces an uphill battle for membership.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's been two months since a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, and spilled toxic materials into the surrounding environment.Since then, officials have deemed the town safe, but residents are saying otherwise. To complicate matters, CNN reported that a group of CDC researchers fell ill while investigating the possible health effects of the disaster. At the center of the controversy is Norfolk Southern, the rail company responsible for the spill. Last week, the Department of Justice announced a lawsuit against the company for violating the Clean Water Act.While increased concern over derailments has led to bipartisan action to improve rail safety measures. We check in on cleanup efforts in East Palestine and talk about what can be done to prevent another disaster like it from happening again.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's clear that baseless allegations about the mechanics of elections are still circulating, and they're powerful enough to shape events — and keep affecting our elections.A bevy of other partisan-led efforts, including court cases and state-level legislation, are shifting election policy ahead of 2024.We discuss how states will continue to ensure free and fair elections.This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country, including WBHM. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Donald Trump has become the first president – former or current – charged with criminal activity. In a 34-count felony indictment, prosecutors allege that Trump conspired to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election through hush money payments to two women who said they had sexual encounters with him. The charges stem from an investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.The former president has called the indictment "political persecution" and pled not guilty to all counts.We go over the charges, answer your questions, and talk about what happens next.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Republicans in state legislatures across the U.S. have found their focus for the 2023 legislative session: drag.But drag has been around for a long, long time.Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed one of these drag-restricting bills into law on March 3. But a federal judge blocked the law from taking effect on April 1.The law would prohibit people in Tennessee from being in drag in public places or where it could be seen by people under the age of 18. It defines drag as "adult cabaret."Other states like Texas have more than one bill on the legislative floor that would ban drag. We discuss these bills, the response to them, and whether or not they violate free speech.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the planned overhaul of the country's judicial system, but his people are still taking to the streets in protest.The government's plans to weaken Israel's supreme court have been subject to months-long demonstrations and general strikes. Most recently, walkouts across several industries closed Israel's schools and airports for a day.The move to suspend the legislation comes after Netanyahu fired Israel's head defense official, Yoav Gallant, for advocating against the legislation.Now, Netanyahu's party is in talks with the opposition, with hopes of reaching a compromise.With the clocking ticking for a resolution, we look at the country's national security and foreign relations hanging in the balance We discuss what Netanyahu plans to do next. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

A shooter entered and attacked an elementary school in Nashville this week, killing three children and three adults. President Joe Biden said he could do no more on his own to address gun violence and asked Congress to act. Republicans signaled there was little more they were willing to do to address the issue.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the moment, backed down from proposed reforms to his country's Supreme Court. His citizens, however, are still taking to the streets in protest.A fire claimed the lives of at least 38 people in an immigration detention center in the Mexican city of Juarez.The president of Ghana has intervened in his parliament's efforts to pass an aggressively anti-LGBTQ bill, saying that "substantial elements" of the bill have been changed. The move comes as Vice President Kamala Harris visits the country.We cover these stories and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Experts have repeatedly said that the world has to stop burning fossil fuels if we want to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis.The latest United Nations climate report reminded us just how soon that needs to happen. The U.S. should cut two-thirds of fossil fuels in the next decade.When it comes to carbon-free energy, many people think of renewables like solar or wind. But there's also the nuclear option. Nuclear currently accounts for 20 percent of our electricity production, according to the Energy Information Administration. We discuss where nuclear energy fits into a carbon-free future and how safe the nuclear power we already have is.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

On May 11, the United States will end the public health emergency declaration over COVID-19. As the emergency phase of the pandemic winds down, so too have infection rates. But the CDC still links about 2,000 deaths a week to COVID. And the end of COVID's emergency status will mean big changes in how Americans receive COVID care, including access to tests and vaccines. In this edition of our series Vaccination Nation, we talk about what it means for a pandemic to end, and how these changes will impact you and your family.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

For some Americans, the dream of ownership is becoming less of a reality.A new report from the National Association of Realtors shows the rate of first-time homebuyers is at its lowest point since the organization began tracking the data in 1981. Also, the race and gender gap in homeownership is widening. The pandemic helped skyrocket home prices. And as the number of available homes remains slim, affordability continues to be an issue. We discuss the market and what it'll take for homeownership to become possible for most Americans again.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Last week, the government announced plans to completely overhaul the organ transplant system in America. This includes breaking up The United Network for Sharing Organs (UNOS)'s multi-decade monopoly.For those who need an organ transplant, the process is far from easy. On average, 17 people die each day awaiting transplants. More than 100,000 people are currently on the transplant waiting list according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. UNOS has been criticized for exacerbating the organ shortage. An investigation by the Senate Finance Committee released last year found that the organization lost, discarded, and failed to collect thousands of life-saving organs each year.We discuss the government's plan for overhaul and what it means for those whose lives are on the line.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

More than 40 million Americans receive federal SNAP benefits. Congress boosted these benefits during the pandemic. But the public health emergency is ending on May 11, along with the SNAP boosts. Just as these cuts end, Congress is debating the future of SNAP. Republican lawmakers are calling for stricter work requirements, while Democrats say current funding levels are nowhere near adequate.We discuss how food-insecure Americans, and the food banks that help them, are making do.This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced Wednesday that the Fed would be increasing interest rates for a ninth time in a row. And he was blunt about the reason why he was raising the rate by a quarter of one percentDespite reports that Donald Trump would be indicted this week – well he hasn't been. At least not yet. The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing evidence of a hush money payment former President Donald Trump made during the 2016 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, protests in Israel continued this week. Thousands of people flooded the streets yesterday for a so-called "Day of Shutdown." They were demonstrating against an ongoing overhaul of their country's judicial system by the right-wing government..Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world. It's been battered by years of war and decades of political instability. And now it is facing another drought.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Andrew Hozier-Byrne has a lot to celebrate.Later this year, he'll celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his debut single and biggest hit "Take Me To Church."It's been four years since he release his last album, "Wasteland, Baby!"His newest project is called "Eat Your Young." It's a three-song EP inspired by "Dante's Inferno."He talks to us about his latest work, his upcoming third album, and what he's learned from nearly a decade of stardom.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The fourth season of "Buried Truths" investigates the death of a Black man in a town known for its violent, racist treatment of people of color. In 1958, James Brazier died of brain damage days after police beat him on his front lawn.A local police officer, Weyman B. Cherry, was notoriously violent with Black residents. His Georgia County earned the moniker "Terrible Terrell."We talk to Klibanoff about investigating the cold case and "Terrible Terrell."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

On March 13 the Biden administration approved a new oil venture in Alaska called the Willow Project. More than 4.6 million people petitioned against its approval.It will allow the energy company ConocoPhillips to drill for oil in the National Petroleum Reserve on Alaska's Northern slope. The company says it will produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day.But will the Willow Project turn into a "carbon-bomb?"Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The burden of finding the right birth control method typically falls to the person who can get pregnant. Some 90 percent of females have taken a contraceptive at some point in their lives, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.Currently, there are just two birth control options for people who produce sperm: a vasectomy or condoms. That could change soon. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered that a drug used to treat eye disease temporarily stopped sperm production in mice – hours later, fertility was restored. The researchers think they've taken a step toward developing a potential non-hormonal birth control drug that can be taken in the hours before sex to stop sperm from swimming. We discuss why it's taken so long to develop a birth control pill for sperm and how birth control for men could change reproductive politics.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hollywood's biggest night has come and gone. And it was a memorable one, even in the run-up.Excluding Michelle Yeoh of "Everything Everywhere All At Once", this year's slate of best actor nominees were entirely white. That's three years after the academy announced new diversity guidelines in response to 2015's Oscars-so-white campaign. We discuss where the Oscars go from here and what they tell us about the state of movie-going. Later, we revisit our conversation with Best Actor winner Ke Huy Quan, and Best Director Winners Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert from 2022. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Silicon Valley Bank collapsed this week, sending shockwaves through the financial world. A judge in Texas heard arguments in a lawsuit against a widely-used abortion medication. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine filed the suit to overturn the FDA's approval of pills that account for more than half of abortions in the U.S.The Biden administration approved a drilling project in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve that would supposedly produce 180,000 barrels of oil a day. Environmental activists said this approval would violate the president's climate goals.Also this week, the Biden administration is demanding that the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok be sold. Otherwise, it risks a nationwide ban.And Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said this week that his country is safer than the U.S. This was his response to critics after four Americans were attacked by cartel gunmen, leaving two dead.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The NCAA College Basketball tournament kicks off Tuesday. Millions of Americans are expected to watch and bet on the NCAA College Basketball tournament that kicked off this week. According to a new survey from the American Gaming Association, 68 million Americans are expected to place over $15 billion in bets on the tournament this year. As sports gambling becomes increasingly popular on mobile platforms, colleges and universities are getting in on the action through multi-million dollar partnerships that allow companies to advertise on campuses.Investigations from The New York Times and the PBS Newshour found at least five major colleges (Michigan State, LSU, Maryland, University of Denver, and the University of Colorado) have partnered with companies like Caesar's Sports Book and PointsBet.We discuss what responsible gambling practices look like and what reporters found in their investigations.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Madera Community Hospital closed in December and has now filed for bankruptcy. The emergency room now sits empty, and labor and delivery services have stopped. The hospital's three rural clinics are also closed. Some 136 rural hospitals closed between 2010 and 2021, according to the American Hospital Association. According to a January report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, about 600 hospitals are currently at risk of closing in the U.S.We traveled to Fresno as part of our Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations across the country, including KVPR in California's Central Valley. Earlier this month, we brought the community together to talk about the hospital closure, which has left more than 150,000 residents without an emergency room within 30 miles and has put a strain on emergency room departments in Fresno and Merced. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations, including KVPR in Fresno, California. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This month, the USDA is implementing stronger oversight of organic products in order to reduce fraud. For a growing number of Americans buying organic, that's good news. The industry reached $63 billion in sales between 2020 and 2021.We discuss what the organic label actually means and the kind of benefits you can expect. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Some Americans are turning to a group of diabetes medications for something other than relief from the disease. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are making headlines for their ability to stimulate weight loss. This is a problem for diabetes patients who need the medication and can't get it. A rise in demand for these medications has led to shortages. But should potentially life-saving medication be available to those whose lives aren't at risk? We speak to two doctors getting at the heart of these questions and a woman who's been using these medications to improve her health.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Dozens of Democratic senators voted alongside their Republican counterparts last week on the issue of crime and safety in our nation's capital. The Senate voted 81-14 to block a criminal code rewrite that was unanimously approved by the D.C. City Council.The criminal code overhaul included major changes to criminal sentencing – including reducing maximum sentences for carjacking and eliminating mandatory minimums.We discuss the intersection of politics and criminal justice policy and what say Congress should have over D.C.'s affairs.This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

We partnered with our friends at WIRED to bring you a special episode of their podcast Gadget Lab. For this episode of Gadget Lab, the team takes a look at recommendation algorithms. The modern internet is powered by recommendation algorithms. But some of these algorithms can lead to some weird places, occasionally taking users down dark internet rabbit holes or showing harmful content. Lawmakers and researchers have criticized recommendation systems before, but these methods are under renewed scrutiny now that Google and Twitter are going before the US Supreme Court to defend their algorithmic practices.We hear how recommendation algorithms work, how they're studied, and how they can be both abused and restrained.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In domestic headlines, the Biden administration is considering reviving a policy that would detain families of migrants who enter the country outside conventional channels.In Texas, five women are filing a lawsuit against the state claiming the abortion ban put their lives, and well-being, at risk by denying them necessary medical procedures.Meanwhile overseas, reports from U.S. intelligence officials suggest that a pro-Ukraine group was responsible for blowing up the Russian-controlled Nord Stream pipelines. Ukraine, has denied any involvement in the matter.Four Americans were attacked in Mexico after traveling to the country for cheaper medicine. Two are dead and two are injured after being kidnapped by members of a drug cartel.We cover some of the biggest headlines during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's been over a year since Russia's launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Cyber weapons have continued to play a major role in the war.Both countries have leveraged 21st-century technologies like smartphones, artificial intelligence, and drones to aid their war efforts.Now, experts are saying Russia plans to scale up its cyber threats, into attacks capable of crippling Ukraine's digital infrastructure and impacting NATO allies.We discuss how we can better understand the cyber tools and tactics Russia is using in this war and what can we do to limit their effects.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced on March 1 that it would cut the cost of its insulin at retail pharmacies by 70 percent. That's for patients with or without insurance. Eli Lilly is one of three pharmaceutical companies that supply insulin in the U.S. For years, people in the U.S. who are insulin-dependent have had to ration their insulin or drive to Canada or Mexico to afford it. The patent to insulin was initially sold for $1. We discuss insulin prices in the U.S. have skyrocketed over the years and how much Eli Lilly's decision affect people across the country.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has become a leading voice in the American left during his 30 years in Congress. He's been staunchly opposed to increases in military defense spending, has been a strong advocate for gay marriage, and has called on Congress to invest trillions more to combat climate change.But the signature issue that drove two presidential campaigns and garnered millions of followers on social media is his fight against economic inequality and the power of America's billionaire class.It's the focus of his new book, "It's Ok to Be Angry About Capitalism." Sanders details the ways in which our country's current state of capitalism is endangering our healthcare system, our environment, our media ecosystem, our politics, and America's working class.We speak with him about the book, social security, Medicare, ageism in politics, and more.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Children are working some of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. according to a new investigation by The New York Times.Child labor violations have nearly quadrupled since 2015, according to data from the Labor Department. This includes some migrant children who are working throughout the manufacturing industry. Interviews with 60 caseworkers found that two-thirds of unaccompanied migrant children end up working full-time. Even with those statistics, some states are still looking to loosen child labor restrictions to meet hiring needs.We discuss how we got here and what needs to be done to address child labor violations.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

On Wednesday, Eli Lilly, one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies, announced it was slashing the price of its most widely prescribed insulin by 70 percent.The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments this week related to President Biden's student debt forgiveness plan. Meanwhile, tempers did not calm in the West Bank this week. Following settler attacks on Palestinian villages, the violence has continued, causing Israeli officials to appeal for calm.And President Biden welcomed a new trade deal on Monday, between the European Union and the United Kingdom, saying that its implementation would be vital in maintaining the Good Friday Agreement.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The American West is experiencing its worst drought in over 1,000 years. That's making a lot of farmers rethink their sustainability practices and reimagine land that has become infertile.One way to innovate is via solar energy. Solar panels can make use of depleted land and help offset a farm's energy costs. They also preserve groundwater and help with crop growth.But the transition isn't always cheap. Could expanding solar on farmland make it harder and more expensive to feed America?We go to California where there's plenty of sun and an appetite to reach aggressive climate goals to hear about the possibilities.This show was part of 1A's Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In the wake of the pandemic, many people are struggling with their mental health regardless of their age.But recently published data from the CDC is shedding light on how teens are faring.The numbers show that 4 in 10 U.S. high schoolers experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021. Nearly a quarter seriously considered attempting suicide.We discuss how parents can help teens navigate this tumultuous period. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hospice care in the United States began as a social movement in the 1960s and '70s. What was once provided mainly by nonprofits, is now a $22.4 billion industry. Now, more than 70 percent of hospice clinics are for-profit businesses.And the rate of Americans choosing hospice is only going up. More than half of Americans will spend their final days in hospice. We check in on the hospice care industry — what it is, how it works, and what you need to know to prepare end-of-life services.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Cities across the country are using green space to combat the effects of climate change. Many are going beyond tree planting by rezoning abandoned infrastructure — like railroads and suspended highways — to create expansive, vibrant urban parks.But new data shows that this environmental revitalization is driving gentrification and displacing people in low-income communities.How can cities balance the impact of green gentrification with the need to adopt more climate-resilient developments?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Joe Biden was in Europe this week, prompting commentary from his critics. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs says he wants future funding to Ukraine pulled and disagrees that it's America's job to defend the country's sovereign borders.While in Europe, President Biden crossed into Kyiv by train on Monday, aboard what's been dubbed "Rail Force One." The surprise trip lasted less than a day. But it sent a big message. It's the first time the president has visited Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country a year ago.At least 11 Palestinians were killed Wednesday in a raid by Israeli military forces in the occupied West Bank. More than 100 people were injured.And Nigerians head to the polls. More than 90 million voters will have a say in who next leads Africa's most populous country. President Muhammadu Buhari is term-limited. There are 18 people on the ballot to replace him.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

What do you do when a train carrying toxic chemicals crashes in your town?East Palestine, Ohio, is finding out the hard way. A train derailed earlier this month, but the mess still hasn't been cleaned up. Now officials are playing the blame game, with East Palestine residents stuck in the middle. Trains roll through America's small towns every day. So who's responsible when things go so wrong? We discuss what's next for East Palestine residents. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Today, artificial intelligence is being used by law enforcement for facial recognition and even predictive policing. It can help solve and prevent crimes, but it's not foolproof. That's resulted in wrongful arrests and continued racial profiling in policing. Outside the U.S., so-called "safe cities" use AI and big data for "Big Brother" surveillance systems.We ask how much these technologies can curb crime, and at what cost to our freedom.This show is part of our series in collaboration with WIRED; "Know It All: 1A and WIRED's Guide to AI." Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

AI is being used for all kinds of tasks in health care — whether it's administrative ones like taking notes, parsing through patient data, or providing some extra help with reading images. Some AI platforms like Bayesian Health are helping filter through loads of data that get put into a health system. And some clinicians are testing out what AI can and can't do quite yet, like a team at Emory University who found out an AI system could detect a patient's self-reported race based on a chest scan. For this episode of "Know It All: 1A and WIRED's Guide to A.I.", we're exploring what AI in health care looks like today and its potential.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

ChatGPT is incredibly popular online, boasting more than 100 million monthly active users within just two months of its launch last November.The program is powered by a language model that is programmed to produce human dialogue. Users can feed it a prompt, and ChatGPT will predict how it should respond. This makes teachers nervous. Educators are concerned the application will fundamentally change how writing is taught and will impact students' abilities to craft ideas on their own. Meanwhile, other teachers are getting creative with the technology. We assemble a panel of guests to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on our schools. It's part of our series Know It All: 1A and WIRED's Guide to AI.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

We've partnered with our friends at WIRED for a series all about AI; "Know It All: 1A and WIRED's Guide to A.I." We'll be exploring how AI is transforming education, healthcare, and national security.In this conversation, we unpack how AI works and how we can get ready for the future it's shaping.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden broke his silence on the recent downings of UFOs in U.S. airspace. He said U.S. intelligence has no indication that three objects shot down in recent days were surveillance craft from China.Earlier this month, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing toxic materials into the town. Last week, some of the chemicals were burned in what officials called a "controlled explosion." Meanwhile, it's been 10 days since twin earthquakes and several aftershocks hit Syria and Turkey. Recovery and aid groups are still working around the clock to get immediate supplies, medicine, and shelter to survivors.And as the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the U.S. is expecting Ukraine to launch a spring offensive. Russia has been stepping up its offensive in eastern Ukraine – battling, unsuccessfully, for the city of Vuhledar.We discuss all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Over two years ago, the death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and prompted renewed calls for police reform. Some even came from police unions themselves. But just last month, another Black man died at the hands of American law enforcement. Tyre Nichols was beaten by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop and later died from his injuries. Six police officers have been fired from the department for their actions. Five of the former Memphis police officers charged in the beating are set to be arraigned in court this Friday.As the officers await their trial, the city of Memphis is moving forward with ordinances that address police brutality and officer accountability.We discuss how police reform can actually take place, and how unions can be involved in accountability.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, traffic deaths have surged in cities across America. 2021 shaped up to be the deadliest for pedestrians in four decades.Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that drivers hit and killed more than 7,000 pedestrians in 2021, an average of 20 deaths per day.While data from 2022 isn't out yet, estimates indicate that the pedestrian safety crisis has only worsened.To help address the surge, the U.S. Department of Transportation released $800 million dollars in grants as a part of its Safe Streets for All program in February.We discuss the impact this federal investment will have on traffic deaths and how we can make communities safer for pedestrians. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

He wears a tie without a suit. His chiseled abs make women melt in their seats. And his hips, well, they don't lie. We're talking, of course, about Magic Mike.It's been just over a decade since the first installment in the series was released. The franchise has grown to include live shows all around the world. Now, the third and final film, "Magic Mike's Last Dance," has been released. It opened in theaters on Friday to mixed critical reviews but the film enjoyed a successful weekend at the box office nonetheless. For this episode of the 1A Movie Club, we unpack the magic of 'Magic Mike' and talk about whether his last dance still has the spark.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The perennial debate over school choice is ramping up once again in state legislatures across the country. At least 11 states are considering or have passed legislation this year that would allow public funds to go toward private school tuition or homeschooling, according to EdWeek. But critics of school vouchers worry they divert money from public schools and that there's little to no oversight of how the money is spent. We take a look at which states have school choice programs, which students they work for, and who they leave behind. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. The series explores Americans' trust in institutions and the health of our democracy. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union. Intrusions by Republicans and ad-libs by the former Delaware senator made for a feisty address.A Neo-Nazi has been charged by the FBI for attacking power stations in Maryland as part of a plot to wipe out the state's power grid.Meanwhile, a devastating earthquake shook southern Turkey and northern Syria this week causing widespread destruction and death. Rescue efforts are underway, but international politics and regional conflicts have made responding to the disaster complicated.Following a rash of drug overdose deaths, the Canadian province of British Columbia will no longer criminally charge people for possessing small amounts of hard drugsWe cover all this and more during the the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey has left rescue teams and civilians scrambling to save lives. Since Monday morning, the Turkish, Kurdish, and Syrian people have walked among collapsed buildings looking for loved ones in the rubble. "The needs are very high in northwestern Syria as this [earthquake] adds a dramatic layer for vulnerable [people] who are still struggling after many years of war," said Sebastien Gay, MSF head of mission in Syria.We discuss the destruction caused by the quake and what will come next with journalists, aid organizations, and Middle East experts. .Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Joe Biden gave his second State of the Union speech Tuesday night. It was his first since Republicans have taken control of the House of Representatives.The State of the Union is a chance for the U.S. president to address a large and wide television audience. Last year, Biden's speech amassed more than 38 million viewers.We discuss key takeaways from the address. Later, we take a look at the behind-the-scenes of what goes into writing a presidential speech.How do you craft the perfect speech? And in an increasingly polarized political landscape, how is the role of speech shifting?We pose your questions to a panel of political speechwriters.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Tax season is here and a new study is shedding light on inequalities in our tax system. Black taxpayers are at least three times more likely to be audited by the I.R.S than other taxpayers.The study, which was a collaboration between the University of Michigan, Stanford, the University of Chicago, and the U.S Treasury Department, is one of the most detailed ever on race and the tax system. The reason for this racial disparity isn't what you'd expect. The IRS isn't targeting Black taxpayers — the agency doesn't keep data on race. But the outdated algorithms it's using are. Lack of funding is another problem. We speak with a co-author of the study and a leading expert on race and the tax system later in the hour. First, we talk about funding. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Schools have spent decades trying to prevent teens from using drugs and alcohol. The Office of National Drug Control Policy spent $2.9 billion on drug prevention last year alone, but the success rates of prevention programs remains in question. As part of our "Remaking America" collaboration, we highlight reporting from partner station KUNC on kids facing mental health and substance abuse issues. One possible solution is recovery high schools. There are at least 45 recovery schools across the U.S. dedicated to students with addiction problems.We discuss the unique challenges young people face when seeking treatment, and how schools can do a better job of supporting them.This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Addiction is treatment is available. For help, please call the free and confidential treatment referral hotline (1-800-662-HELP) or visit findtreatment.gov.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Memphis on Wednesday to remember Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died days after he was beaten by five Memphis police officers, who were later arrested and charged with his murder.At least 9 people are dead and more than 300,000 homes lost power in Texas after a powerful ice storm swept through the state. And the Federal Reserve raised interest rates yet again.Last week, the U.S. agreed to send tanks to Ukraine. But sending air support is a fighter jet too far.President Biden has ruled out sending F-16s to the war with Russia. The U.K. has followed his lead, calling the request "not practical."And on the two-year anniversary of seizing power, the military junta in Myanmar pushes back a general election yet again — extending its emergency powers for six more months.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Navigating the American healthcare system can be a challenge.Every year, insurance companies reject millions of claims by patients seeking many types of treatment — everything from MRIs and surgeries to medications. And appealing those denials can be challenging. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that patients under the Affordable Care Act only appeal about 0.1 percent of claims that are rejected. A new investigation by ProPublica and Capitol Forum looks into the world of health insurance denials, and what that appeal process looks like. We discuss what that investigation found and hear your stories. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

This week, the College Board released the updated framework for its advanced African American Studies course amid backlash from conservative lawmakers over the curriculum.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education banned the course from being taught in the state's public schools.In a statement, the FDOE called the course a violation of state law and lacking in historical value, a claim that many experts and historians refute.Critics say it's a further attempt by conservative politicians to limit what and how history – particularly racial history – is taught.We discuss the role of politics in determining school curriculum.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

There's been a lot of buzz about alcohol lately. Last year, more than a third of U.S. adults of legal drinking age decided to go sober for an entire month as part of a challenge known as "dry January."That's an increase from the 21 percent of people who took part in 2019, according to food and drink research firm CGA. We discuss Americans' relationship with alcohol. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

What comes to mind when you think of Disney? Princesses searching for love? Talking animals saving the day? Theme parks with fireworks lighting the sky? The answer is different depending on who you ask.The company will enter its 100th year as the largest entertainment firm in the world. Disney is worth $180 billion and had four of the ten highest-grossing films of 2022. But the company's journey hasn't been a fairytale. From accusations of poor employee pay and a lack of diversity in their content, even at hundred Disney has a lot of growing to do. We discuss the past, present, and future of Disney. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

California is still reeling after three mass shootings – including two that happened within three days. Five former Memphis police officers were indicted on murder charges in the death of Tyree Nichols on Thursday. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis fired the five Black officers for violating department policy after Nichols' arrest earlier this month.Meanwhile, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the U.S. will send 31 M-1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine for its fight against Russia. This was a U-turn by the federal government after months of saying it would not send tanks.And some 80 percent of China's population has supposedly contracted COVID-19, that's according to a prominent Chinese government scientist. For context, that's more than one billion people. Last weekend there were 13,000 COVID deaths in less than a week, in addition to the 60,000 deaths that have been reported since December.We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Sundance Film Festival is returning to Park City, Utah, with a slate of more than 120 independent films making their debut to an in-person crowd for the first time in two years. The festival attracts filmmakers and actors from around the globe hoping to become the next "Little Miss Sunshine" or "Get Out."The festival also features a variety of films centering the female experience, including "The Pod Generation." It's set in the future where couples can give birth through a detached artificial womb or pod. We discuss this year's notable films, and the state of independent films in 2023. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Approximately two dozen American diplomats in Havana, Cuba, first heard piercing, metallic hissing in 2016. They began experiencing nausea, vertigo, headaches, and other cognitive ailments, but doctors haven't been able to figure out what could be making them sick.Theories include the use of sonic weapons launched by hostile foreign actors like Russia. But the CIA has dismissed that idea, saying most cases of "Havana Syndrome" actually stem from other pre-existing medical conditions. Still, they acknowledge that some cases are unexplainable.The new investigative podcast "The Sound: Mystery of Havana Syndrome" explores what we know about this mysterious illness – and what questions remain.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

There are growing efforts to ban the popular social media app TikTok by some U.S. lawmakers.Negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on how to keep TikTok in the U.S. are ongoing; but some legislators are still trying to ban Tik Tok's parent company ByteDance from doing business in the country entirely.How is this different from former President Donald Trump's efforts in 2020? Is there a way to keep TikTok in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In the new mystery series "Poker Face", the protagonist possesses an uncanny ability to tell when anyone is lying.This gift lands the main character – Charlie Cale, played by Natasha Lyonne – in a sticky situation with a casino manager looking to exploit her talents. It forces Charlie on the run and sparks a murder-solving spree as she travels to new towns in each episode.We discuss Lyonne's role in "Poker Face," how the show fits into modern streaming dramas, and Lyonne's career spanning more than three decades.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Conservatives who initially blocked McCarthy from the speaker's gavel have walked away with key committee assignment roles. President Biden travels to California to visit areas hit by extreme weather. And the tech layoffs continue, with Microsoft's announcement that 10,000 workers will be let go.The world's elite meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The British foreign secretary encourages the US to step up its own weapons supply to Ukraine. And China deals with surging COVID-19 cases.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The government has reached its "debt limit:" the cap on borrowing that, if breached, could send the U.S. and global financial markets into a tailspin.To avert such a crisis, Congress must vote to raise the debt ceiling and increase the amount the government is able to borrow.But despite urgent pleas from Democrats, House Republicans are stalling on the vote and using their narrow majority to demand spending cuts.How soon can we expect Congress to negotiate and pass a debt limit increase? What will our country's financial future look like if the stalemate drags on?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

By now, you've probably seen the headlines – and memes – about the revelations Prince Harry includes in his new memoir, "Spare."Overall, the book is a revealing look into the invisible machine that operates the royal family and a condemnation of the British tabloid press.And it's been incredibly popular. Libraries here in the U.S. are struggling to meet the demand, with months-long wait times for a copy.We talk about the enduring fascination Americans have with the royal family, and the future of the British monarchy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Millions of Americans are recovering from travel chaos.Southwest canceled more than 16,000 flights between Christmas and the New Year. Then, it was deja-vu for travelers last Wednesday after a technical glitch in the Federal Aviation Authority's computer system forced all flights to be grounded.We look at the airline industry – what's working, what isn't, and what these meltdowns reveal about the future of flying.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Who can vote and how they can cast their ballot are questions as important today as they were almost 60 years ago when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped lead the fight for voting rights.This show is a special program honoring the legacy of Dr. King with a contemporary focus on voting access and democracy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The House finally has its new speaker. A Federal Aviation Administration glitch grounded every flight in the U.S. And Elon Musk now holds the record for the most amount of money ever lost.More than 1,200 people have been charged in Brazil for storming the government buildings in protests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the audience at the Golden Globes this week that there would be "no World War III." Scientists have found that Earth's ozone layer is on track to be fully repaired within decades.We cover these headlines and more during the domestic and international segments of our News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Over 2.6 million dogs in the U.S. originate from commercial breeders, more commonly known as puppy mills. There are countless stories of animals being kept in miserable conditions, small cages, and with little medical care.States have slowly been putting policies in place to protect pups, but some say federal protections don't go far enough and many breeders go under the radar.Today, we talk about the ethics of dog breeding, and what can be done to ensure the welfare of man's best friend.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Power utilities are moving away from coal and natural gas power plants and embracing renewable energy sources like hydro, wind, and solar.But it's a slow turnaround. In the meantime, as floods, droughts, freezes, and heatwaves become more prevalent in the face of climate change, they're adding further stress to the already-fragile power grid.What does the power grid of the future look like?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

This week, President Biden made his first presidential trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, stopping in El Paso, Texas before heading to a summit in Mexico City.He announced that his Administration will accept up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua each month, and allow them to work in the U.S. for up to 2 years. They will also begin to send unauthorized migrants to Mexico.So how far do the White House's latest immigration policies go? And what impact could they have on our fragile immigration system?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Around 25,000 kids age out of the foster care system every year in the U.S. What happens when they do?In the years immediately following their 18th or 21st birthday (depending on the state), these young adults are likely to struggle in poverty.The effects of growing up in the system last decades into adulthood, too. We heard from one of our listeners, Priscilla Molina, who told us growing up in foster care has affected how she relates to others and herself. We talk to a panel of former foster youth about what happens when foster kids become adults.This episode is part of our Listener Picks series. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

California Rep. Kevin McCarthy has had better weeks. The Republican expected to get his party's nod to become speaker of the House this week as the new representatives were supposed to be sworn in. However, a holdout wing of the GOP has stalled McCarthy's ascent. McCarthy has been unable to win the absolute majority of votes required to become House speaker for days.Damar Hamlin's health is reportedly improving despite being in critical condition. The Buffalo Bill was hospitalized following a tackle in his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday.Meanwhile, overseas, the Kremlin is facing unprecedented criticism from inside Russia after one of the deadliest attacks on its troops since the Ukraine war began. It took place on New Year's Day. Kyiv, and Russian bloggers, claim the death toll is very likely in the hundreds.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Who is allowed to profit from marijuana legalization?In New York, the law specifically carves out provisions for those who've been disproportionately impacted by drug laws. It's the latest example of a growing nationwide trend called "restorative justice."But many state legislatures have come under fire for not prioritizing equitable access to the marijuana market or for falling short in their efforts.How can social equity and legalization coexist?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

From chronic pain to emergency room visits, women's medical concerns are often dismissed at higher rates than those of men.One study shows that middle-aged women with chest pain were twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than their male counterparts. Another study found that women and people of color who visited emergency rooms with chest pain waited longer to be seen by a doctor. America's gynecological practice has been traced back to slavery. Today, gender and racial bias still affect the way people are diagnosed and receive care.We talk about why this still happens and what can be done about it. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The 2022 midterm elections saw the Democrats break records on the federal and state levels.Both Republican and Democratic parties will be facing busy legislative sessions this year, with access to abortion, spiking gas prices, an opioid epidemic, and parental choice all expected to be on the docket.We assemble a panel of reporters from Washington, Texas, and California to better understand the key issues in state government this year and how they could influence national politics.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

We live a lot of our lives on autopilot, moving through daily routines, obligations, or habits.But with a new year comes a new opportunity to pause, reset, and make a change.Once we decide what changes, or resolutions we want to make in the new year, how do we stick with them?We discuss our habits and how we can be successful at sticking to those New Year's resolutions. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's been 25 years since the release of The Spice Girls' second album, "Spiceworld." The record, released on November 1, 1997, went five times platinum. The group that popularized the phrase "Girl Power," the Spice Girls are the best-selling girl group of all time. But before the Spice Girls, there were many others. From The Andrew Sisters to The Supremes, we can trace the evolution of the girl group throughout music's history. In this episode the 1A Record Club takes a look at the influence of "Spiceworld" and the cultural phenomenon of girl groups. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The end of the year is a fertile time for reflection to look back on where we've been. The books we've read and loved in a year can tell us all kinds of things—what we've learned, how we've felt, and how we were changed when the story was over.We round up some of the best books of the year and more with Andrew Limbong, reporter for NPR's Arts and Culture desk and host of the Book of the Day podcast; and book influencer Hunter McLendon.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In the 1979 novel "Kindred," author Octavia Butler sent her main character – a Black woman – back to the antebellum south of the 1800s. The sci-fi book is a modern classic – a cornerstone of afro-futurism that made waves in a genre dominated by white men. "Kindred" is still being discovered by new readers today – and by viewers. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins adapted "Kindred" into a new FX series of the same name on Hulu.We speak with Jacobs-Jenkins about making the first on-screen adaptation of the late, and pioneering Octavia Butler's work and why it still resonates with readers, and now viewers, decades later.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Multigenerational living is by no means a new arrangement. But it has become more common in recent years. The number of Americans living in multigenerational households has quadrupled since 1971, according to Pew Research Center. Financial issues were cited as the top reason people chose to live in multigenerational households. It can also benefit older adults who need assistance, parents in need of childcare, and young adults not yet ready to strike out on their own.We talk about the joys, pains, and economic gains of multigenerational households.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

You might know him from the television program "Downtown Abbey" Or the film adaptation of the beloved children's story Paddington. Or maybe from the time he played Robert DeNiro's leg.Well, however you know Hugh Bonneville, chances are you're a fan.He's had a long and successful career as an actor. And now, he's sharing memories from life in a new book titled "Playing Under the Piano: From Downtown to Darkest Peru."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The House Jan. 6 committee investigating the attack on the Capitol released its final report this week, recommending that Donald Trump be prosecuted by the Justice Department on four criminal counts.A massive winter storm is moving its way through the country and affecting holiday travel for millions of Americans. Meanwhile, also this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the U.S. this week to address a special joint session of Congress asking for continued support in his country's war against Russia.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Biden Administration announced plans to reduce homelessness in the U.S. by 25 percent by 2025.Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a state of emergency on homelessness as her first act in office. She also announced a program launching next week that will move people off the street and into hotels and motels.Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams began allowing officials to involuntarily hospitalize people they deemed to be in a psychiatric crisis. We discuss the best way to address unhoused populations, and dig into the administration's plan. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

More than 100,000 people died last year in America from a drug overdose, most of which involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.Fentanyl is deadly and it's winding up in street drugs of all kinds: heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit Adderall. We discuss the dangers of fentanyl and harm reduction solutions, like naloxone and fentanyl testing strips, that can keep everyone safer.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Since inflation first spiked 18 months ago, Americans have been spending consistently. But it seems like that is beginning to change.Retail numbers fell 0.6 percent in November according to a report by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates to fight inflation, but that hasn't helped to keep prices low. We get into the reasons why and check in on the state of the economy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The 2022 men's World Cup in Qatar is over. Between human rights abuses, half-filled stadiums, surprise quarter-final runs, the tragic death of a soccer journalism icon, and Lionel Messi's last hurrah, there's been lots to talk about.We discuss what future tournaments will look like, and how can we avoid the pitfalls that have marred the 2022 tournament. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

As COVID infections rise this winter, the White House is restarting its free home COVID test program as part of its new winter plan to head off infections during the holidays and beyond.China is racing to prepare its citizens for another wave of COVID-19. Authorities are moving to vaccinate the country's most vulnerable.And Iran is sentencing 400 people involved with the demonstrations against the government to jail terms of up to 10 years for participating in the protests.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The overturn of Roe v. Wade in June brought the idea of "fetal personhood" into state legislatures. Fetal personhood would grant a fetus' or embryo the same rights as a person. That idea — which is already a provision in Georgia's abortion ban — has opened the door to discussions about if fertility treatment could be subject to regulation next.Some states like West Virginia have specifically carved out exceptions in their abortion laws for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization or IVF.We discuss where fertility treatments and contraception legally stand. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Cinema fans are talking about "The Whale" for a lot of reasons. One is its director, Darren Aronofsky, who is best known for his intense films like "Black Swan" and "Requiem for a Dream." Another cause for conversation is the comeback of Brendan Fraser, who has been out of the spotlight for some years after saying he was blacklisted from Hollywood.We sit down with the screenwriter Samuel Hunter to discuss the movie's subject matter, which has drawn the ire of some critics.But there's more to discuss than just one film. We roundup our panel and talk about some of the best (and most disappointing) films of the year. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Maria Ressa is no stranger to protesting authoritarian regimes.The international journalist and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner is widely recognized for challenging government corruption in the Philippines, her native country.Her book, "How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future," unpacks how social media disinformation has given rise to authoritarian regimes around the globe and sounds the alarm for those hoping to preserve democracy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock won reelection to Congress this week, defeating Republican rival and former football star Herschel Walker in a run-off. The House passed legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriage this week. It doesn't legalize same-sex marriage in all states, but does require a state to recognize a marriage from another state.Meanwhile, Russia released WNBA star Brittney Griner in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Victor Bout. And the German government arrested dozens, including a former judge, connected to a far-right group that were plotting to overthrow the German government. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hospitals around the country are straining to manage an influx of patients, many of whom are battling respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.RSV is a common seasonal infection among children and poses the greatest threat to newborns and those over 65.The virus peaked in early November and data from the CDC shows that nationally, cases are trending downward. But in many states, cases are on the upswing, causing children's hospitals to reach capacity.Many experts warn that travel and gatherings this holiday season may lead to another surge in RSV cases, alongside increases in flu and COVID-19 cases.We convene a panel to discuss the phenomenon and unpack the data on RSV.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's been 10 years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when 20 students and six educators were killed.Davis Dunavin, who covered the Sandy Hook shooting in December 2012 as a young reporter, is behind a new podcast looking at the community a decade since the shooting."Still Newtown" leads with a question: How does a community come out the other side of tragedy? We visit Newtown and those close to the story for answers.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Sweeping layoffs and hiring freezes have hit the tech industry hard this year. According to Layoffs.fyi, over 50,000 jobs were lost in November alone.The pandemic was good for the tech industry. But as life offline comes back, companies are struggling to retain the employees they hired during the pandemic.Outside of tech, layoffs are at a historic low. We discuss what the tech industry's economic wobbles mean for the economy as a whole. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Semiconductor chips are expected to make a huge economic impact – one with geopolitical implications. They're found in popular electronics like smartphones and gaming consoles and also in cars and military weapons. During the pandemic, disruption to global supply chains created an alarming shortage of them in the U.S. To reduce reliance on China's manufacturing, the Biden Administration passed the CHIPS Act. It allocates $52 billion dollars to build up America's semiconductor industry.We discuss the CHIPS Act, and how the money will be used. With all the layoffs in the tech industry, will the investment actually be worth it?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

the House approved legislation on Wednesday that would institute a labor agreement between rail workers and their employers.Now that control of the House has flipped to the Republicans, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is asking the House January 6 committee to preserve all its records.Chinese officials are cracking down on protests against the country's zero-COVID policy.And a senior aide to King Charles resigned this week following "unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments" she made to a guest at a reception at Buckingham Palace.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The pandemic has spread healthcare workers thin over the last few years. With staffing shortages and wave after wave of COVID cases, that wear has become increasingly apparent. But burnout is not new to the healthcare field. "For the most part, we don't talk about this stuff, because we were told we're not supposed to," says Dr. Jessica Gold who joins us for the conversation. We talk to doctors about their experiences dealing with mental illness while practicing medicine, and we hear your stories. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Indian Child Welfare Act is before the Supreme Court once again, almost a decade after Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl. Earlier this month, the Court heard oral arguments in the case Haaland v. Brackeen, the legal action about who gets precedence when it comes to adopting Native children. We discuss what the Indian Child Welfare Act does and if struck down, what it could mean for tribal law and Native Americans.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's been 25 years since the release of The Spice Girls' second album, "Spiceworld." The record, released on November 1, 1997, went five times platinum. The group that popularized the phrase "Girl Power," the Spice Girls are the best-selling girl group of all time. But before the Spice Girls, there were many others. From The Andrew Sisters to The Supremes, we can trace the evolution of the girl group throughout music's history. In this episode the 1A Record Club takes a look at the influence of "Spiceworld" and the cultural phenomenon of girl groups. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

A record number of bills targeting trans people in the U.S. have passed this year. In February, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive, classifying gender-affirming care as child abuse. 1A recently traveled to Austin to speak with trans kids and their families as part of the Remaking America Series. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The world's eyes are on the 32 national soccer teams hoping to win big at this year's FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.It's the first time the competition is being hosted in the Middle East. And while fans from across the globe descend on the tiny host country to cheer on their favorite teams, controversy has taken center stage.We'll hear more from experts about the mess and get the latest on the tournament.We'll also chat about Lionel Messi's legacy and more as we preview NPR's new bilingual sports podcast, "The Last Cup."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In 2019, Tembi Locke published her memoir titled "From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home." In it, she tells the story of how she pieced her life back together after losing her husband, Saro, to cancer.The book is also a celebration of their love story. And that love story is now the center of a Netflix series also titled "From Scratch." Tembi and her sister Attica act as writers, showrunners, and producers on the show.They join us to talk about bringing their story to the screen.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In February, Haiti declared that after more than a decade of battling cholera, it had fully eliminated the disease.Less than a year later – cholera is back, and it's devastating the already-beleaguered country.Armed gangs, a fuel blockade, and widespread hunger all have contributed to the outbreak.We discuss how Haitians are dealing with the situation and what countries like the U.S. are doing to help.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Multigenerational living is by no means a new arrangement. But it has become more common in recent years. The number of Americans living in multigenerational households has quadrupled since 1971, according to Pew Research Center. Financial issues were cited as the top reason people chose to live in multigenerational households. It can also benefit older adults who need assistance, parents in need of childcare, and young adults not yet ready to strike out on their own.We talk about the joys, pains, and economic gains of multigenerational households.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Many popular artists take advantage of a pricing system used by live events company Ticketmaster that sets prices based on demand. The more people waiting in line for tickets, the higher the prices go. But many fans aren't happy with the ballooning costs. Live Nation, Ticketmaster's parent company, owns concert venues, promotes tours, and sells tickets. Some say that leaves little room for competition, hurting fans, artists, and the industry at large. We discuss Live Nation as a monopoly, who it hurts, and what's being done to address the lack of competition. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Almost half of eligible voters cast a ballot in the most recent election, according to the U.S. Elections Project.Still, voters can feel like our centuries-old voting system isn't working for us today.1A spent election week in Wichita, Kansas, after voters decided to change how they elect their city school board.This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Results from the 2022 midterm elections continued to trickle in this week. The GOP took control of the House of Representatives and the Democrats managed to hold onto the Senate. Meanwhile, in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his military's reclamation of the city of Kherson is "the beginning of the end" of the conflict. U.S. President Joe Biden has asked Congress to approve $37 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine.In sports news, the World Cup has not yet officially started but controversy is already percolating. Players and government officials are publicly criticizing host nation Qatar over well-documented human rights abuses. Qatari officials are in turn calling their critics racist.We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Every ten years, election maps are re-evaluated and redrawn to reflect states' populations. But how the maps are drawn differs from state to state. So was the outcome of the midterms determined before voters even cast their ballots? We gather a panel of experts to discuss how redistricting can advantage one party over another. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

As the largest minority group in the United States, Latino voters have a huge say in how elections shake out. While most Latino voters have traditionally leaned into the Democratic Party, both political parties have been largely unsuccessful in solidifying the voting bloc's support in the past four decades. We convene a panel of experts to discuss what's driving the shift in Latino voting patterns, and what it might mean for future elections. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

We've heard a lot about candidates and parties, 132 measures were also on ballots across the U.S. last week.From decriminalizing psychedelic mushrooms to prohibiting slavery, to implementing new rules around how and where we vote, Americans made a ton of local decisions with national implications this November.We discuss some of the midterm results you might have missed and what they mean for American attitudes on important issues.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The majority of GOP candidates on the ballot this midterm have denied or challenged the results of the 2020 presidential election.So far, election-denying candidates have performed slightly worse than expected. But this doesn't mean the threat of election denialism is gone.We discuss what this midterm reveals about the future—or lack thereof—of election denialism.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The midterms are largely over, but the nation is still waiting for some key results. The "red wave" Republicans predicted failed to materialize and Democrats managed to hang on to contested seats and even flip a few districts. Elon Musk's Twitter is trying to clear new self-imposed hurdles. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Silicon Valley, Facebook's parent company Meta announced it's laying off 11,000 of its employees.Overseas, Russia has announced the withdrawal of its troops from the key Ukrainian city of Kherson. In private conversations, U.S. authorities have asked Ukrainian leaders to show they are open to negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin.And in sports, Qatar attempts to navigate criticism over its human rights record in the run-up to the Fifa World Cup. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Results are still being declared in the U.S. midterm elections. Control of Congress hangs in the balance. Republicans seem poised to take control of the House of Representatives. But the Senate fight is on a knife's edge. We discuss the latest in Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona. We also take a look at how the U.S. voted down the ballot. Millions weighed in on a range of measures from recreational drugs, to abortion rights, to sports betting, and the climate crisis. We discuss what was approved, what was rejected, and what we can expect to see put to the test in 2024. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

For weeks, Republicans have been predicting a "red wave" would wash over the U.S. this midterm cycle. But that wave did not materialize. Control of Congress is still up in the air, with both the Senate and the House still too close to call. We'll check in on Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and others throughout the show today. And we'll hear live calls from voters across the United States. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

For many, voting is a chance to make sure their voices are heard. But full and fair representation can feel out of reach depending on where you live and the party that dominates your district. We're camping out on so-called "political islands." These are cities or counties whose political demographics don't align with the states in which they're located. We discuss why living in these political islands can be frustrating but important for democracy. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

More than 35 million people have already voted in this year's midterm election, that's according to the United States Elections Project. But poll workers and voters alike are getting ready for Election Day and for some, that means dealing with threats of violence. U.S. security agencies like the Department of Homeland Security have issued threat advisories, warning against violence towards political figures and election officials. We discuss what all of that means for voters and answer your questions about what is and isn't allowed at the polling place.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The first days of Elon Musk's Twitter have been full of controversy. The Tesla co-founder fired the company's board of directors and is planning to lay off about half the existing workforce in an attempt to cut costs. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week, including those in a case involving the future of affirmative action at U.S. universities.Meanwhile in Africa, the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces have agreed to end a two-year conflict at peace talks in South Africa this week. The war has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands since it began two years ago. Far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro lost the presidential election this week to former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has signaled he will hand over the country's reins without issue. We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Political spending is at an all-time high. Campaigns will spend almost $10 billion this year on advertising, according to AdImpact.But what are the rules? And in a world where every digital step we take is tracked, how much should we care? We get into who's behind this spending and how far down the ballot it goes.This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. The series explores Americans' trust in institutions and the health of our democracy. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Affirmative action is once again on the Supreme Court docket. Two separate cases have been filed that argue against Affirmative Action and court watchers believe the policy could be doomed under the current conservative supermajority.We discuss the history of Affirmative Action, its legal background, and the potential impact a Supreme Court ruling could have on hiring practices.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

More than 22 million people have already voted in the 2022 midterm election, that's according to the United States Elections Project. The way we vote radically changed in 2020 because of the pandemic and these days more people are opting to vote by mail and in person before polls open on Election Day. We discuss what early voting numbers tell us about overall turnout and what you can expect if you head to the polls on November 8. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

It's Halloween—a day for adrenaline, heart-pumping terror. And this year's best horror films are sure to terrify you. Our guest panel discusses what movies are worth the nightmares, and where the genre may be heading next. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Early and absentee voting for the 2022 midterm elections is well underway.President Joe Biden is making last-minute trips around the country to bolster Democrats candidates, talking to constituents about inflation and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's plans for Congress.Meanwhile, Russian courts upheld WNBA star Brittney Griner's sentence for traveling with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. She's been sentenced to nine years in prison.On Sunday's Brazilian voters go to the polls to vote in a face-off between incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, better known as Lula.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup.

Teenagers under 18 years old don't have a vote, but they do have a voice. According to PEW research, Gen Z – those born between 1996 and 2012 — are the most racially diverse generation. They're also the first generation of so-called "digital natives" to grow up with smartphones. These same young people can also be those most vulnerable to society's most pressing issues, like gun violence, poverty, sexual assault, and addiction. We hear from high schoolers across Louisville, Kentucky and their concerns as we near the midterm elections. We also discuss the recent school shooting in St. Louis, Missouri. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Darién Gap is a roadless stretch of treacherous jungle that connects Panama and Colombia. It is increasingly crowded with migrants who are risking their lives to make it to the United States."People will go to great extents to improve their lives or get away from danger. Even the greatest natural deterrents in the world won't stop them from seeking a better life," says Migration Policy Institute's Andrew Selee.We discuss what it's like to trek through the Darien Gap and why so many more migrants choosing to make the perilous, week-long journey.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Haiti is in crisis.Violent gangs have grown in number and power over the last few years. Hospitals have closed their doors or reduced capacity during a cholera outbreak. And the costs of basic goods like food and gas have skyrocketed, at least half the country is facing acute hunger."Right now, [Jimmy Chérizier] is the most powerful gang leader that Haiti has ever known. He decided to block the place where 70 percent of fuel comes from and since then the country plunged into further problems," says journalist Widlore Mérancourt.We discuss the situation in Haiti and how the country can move forward. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Young voters had record turnout in 2020 and 2018. With midterms just around the corner will they show up again in 2022?We discuss young voters, what drives them to the polls and what first time voters should expect. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Millions of Americans are applying for student loan forgiveness this week as the online applications site goes live.And coming to a quarter near you, the actress Anna Mae Wong makes history. The celebrated Hollywood icon will become the first Asian American featured on US currency.Meanwhile, overseas, Britain's newest prime minister prepares for life as an old one. Liz Truss moves on from her role as Prime Minister of the UK after just 45 days in office.In Ukraine, drone attacks leave millions in the dark. Russia's new military commander warns of 'difficult decisions' ahead as thousands leave a key city in the south.And the United Nations warns that Haiti is on the verge of collapse.We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Rising food and energy costs are hurting Americans' pockets, especially for those earning lower wages. Wages haven't kept up with inflation. But low-income workers have seen some of the largest percent increases in pay since the pandemic.But how long will those reported gains last? How do we fix a system that asks millions to work hard, but doesn't earn them enough to live on?We partnered with WFPL in Louisville, Kentucky and talk to small business owners, consumers and workers impacted by inflation. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Nearly five million American seniors across the U.S. are living below or at the poverty line. The Social Security administration recently announced that benefits for the 2023 calendar year will increase by 8.7% to adjust for the surging cost of inflation. Medicaid premiums are set to decrease by a similar amount as well. How much will that help? We explore the challenges facing many older Americans. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Child poverty has dramatically decreased in the U.S. over the past 25 years. The now-defunct Child Tax Credit helped bring those numbers down even further by roughly 30 percent. We discuss child poverty across the United States and what lessons can be learned from the decrease. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In 2020, more than 37 million Americans lived in poverty according to new data from the U.S Census Bureau. That number doesn't include those who are above the poverty line and struggling to make a living.We discuss what it means to be poor and how people fall below the poverty line, and the difficulties associated with it. This is the first part of our discussion of poverty in America for our series "The Price of Poverty."Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Jan. 6 hearings resumed on Thursday, a week after members of the U.S. House Select Committee interviewed Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. She's a proponent of the disproven theory that the 2020 election was fraudulent and was in contact with several Trump surrogates after the former president lost the race.Russia has arrested eight individuals it claims are connected to the bombing of a key bridge connecting Ukraine's Donbas region and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces are now responding by targeting civilian locales, including a major park in Kyiv.Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be confirmed to his office for another term when the country's major party congress meets this weekend.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Protests in Iran have been growing for four weeks. The movement has attracted widespread support.Protests against Iran's supreme leader were prompted by the death of a young Kurdish woman while in police custody.Over the past dozen or so years, Iranians have pushed back against their government, only for demonstrations to fizzle out, suppressed by a well-practiced system. We discuss the situation in Iran, get a look at life inside the country, and talk about how this uprising is different from previous ones. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Biden surprised the nation when he announced he would pardon all simple marijuana convictions at the federal level. It's a decision that echoes policy at the state level. Thirty-one states and D.C. no longer prosecute or criminalize a person for possessing small amounts of cannabis. Experts say the bigger move was his request for the government to review marijuana's classification as a Schedule 1 drug – a category reserved for dangerous narcotics like heroin. We discuss what it would mean if marijuana is rescheduled and national drug policy. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Kansas voters surprised the country when they overwhelmingly voted against a constitutional amendment that would have banned abortion in the state. But several more states are now set to vote on the issue next month. According to a recent NPR and PBS poll, abortion is the second most important issue for voters after inflation. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has altered the political landscape in the run-up to the midterms. We talk about how and take a look at what we can expect when Kentuckians head to the polls. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The midterms are less than thirty days away and a new poll from AARP has found that women over 50 may be a deciding factor in this year's elections. More than half of the 800 women surveyed across the US are still unclear on which Congressional candidate they will vote for in the next five week. Women over the age of 50 are among one of the most reliable voting blocs in midterm elections."We see this group of voters as incredibly diverse," says Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research and Consulting, who worked with AARP to conduct the nationwide survey. "The one thing they all have in common is they will show up to vote."We discuss the study's findings and what to expect from these voters bloc during the midterms. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker found himself in hot water this week after it was reported the former football star paid for a partner of his to have an abortion. This week, President Joe Biden visited Puerto Rico and Florida after Hurricane Ian left both areas devastated. A new term for the Supreme Court has begun. The court is set to hear new cases at a time in its history when many are questioning its legitimacy in light of its right-wing turn.Meanwhile, the White House is accusing the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) of siding with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. But experts say the Biden administration probably won't take any action against Saudi Arabia.We get into all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

This week we discussed protests in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini's death after she was detained by morality police in the country. Iran's Supreme Leader broke his silence after more than 2 weeks of massive protests across the country.Dozens of demonstrators have died. Hundreds more have been arrested over the past two weeks, and the protests show no end in sight. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

According to the CDC, the teenage birth rate has dropped dramatically over the last two decades. Advocates say comprehensive sex education and access to contraception are two reasons for that decline. But, in a post-Roe world, some states are rethinking their sex ed requirements. Parents are getting involved too, voicing their concerns about what sex ed classes now cover.Curricula vary wildly across the country. In some states, like Indiana, educators are reporting online threats and harassment over these classes.We hear from teachers, parents and students from around the country on changes they want to see. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Putin's military mobilization effort – a forced conscription of between 300-thousand and a million Russian men to join the war in Ukraine has prompted an exodus of Russians. "There are 190 different ethnic minorities in Russia," says President of the Free Russia Foundation Natalia Arno, "These groups are the ones being targeted by the Russian military for conscription." Our guests take us inside Russia, and discuss with us what kind of toll the conflict is taking on everyday life. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Supreme Court's new term gets underway, but the country is still dealing with the fallout from the last one. Particularly the decision that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.The docket includes cases surrounding election integrity, gerrymandering, climate change, and affirmative action. According to a Gallup poll, the Supreme Court's approval is at a historic low. We discuss some of the big cases and talk about what we can expect from the Supreme Court over the next few months.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in the contiguous United States this week, devastating southwest Florida after it blew its way through Puerto Rico, knocking out the island's power grid. Meanwhile, protests in Iran continue. The death of a woman being held in custody over laws about wearing the hijab in public inspired these demonstrations. The government has responded with force and the death toll has now risen to 76 as protests enter their second week. And Italy is set to welcome its first-ever female prime minister to office. Giorgia Meloni is a far-right, neo-fascist politician whose party supports anti-immigrant policies and focuses on "traditional" families. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Salimata, her husband Moussa, and their baby son, Ibrahim, fled violence in their home country of Ivory Coast. They arrived in Texas this year, seeking asylum in the United States. After a day at a shelter, they were put on a bus and dropped off in Washington, D.C.In D.C. they found a home with Sue Kenney-Pfalzer, an immigration attorney looking for a way to help. 1A producer Avery J.C. Kleinman talked to Salimata and Sue as part of a conversation on 1A about what's happening to migrants being bussed north. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Hurricane Ian reached Florida on Wednesday. This week, about 2.5 million Floridians were asked to leave their homes and move inland or to higher ground to avoid the winds and flooding. Many people didn't leave, braving the storm at home even as local emergency services were temporarily suspended. We discuss the damage caused by Ian and what happens next. We also check in on how Puerto Rico is dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Fiona. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The American Library Association has reported 681 challenges to more than 1,600 titles this year. That puts 2022 on track to see the highest number of book challenges in decades. This summer, a library in Lafayette, Louisiana, was forced to remove a Pride Month display. In Iowa, a proposed bill would give city councils the power to overturn librarians' decisions about what books to buy and where they're displayed. And these are just a couple of examples. We discuss the future of public libraries and library workers in this climate of unprecedented censorship. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

California's two initiatives concerning online gambling regulations are set to be the most expensive ballot campaign in U.S. history. The measures would make sports betting in the state legal both in person and online. Currently, the U.S. is a patchwork of regulations on betting. One gray area that's grown in the past several years is the popular online streaming platform Twitch. Gambling content on the platform has received a lot of attention recently, to which Twitch responded with a partial gambling ban. We talk about California's gambling initiatives, Twitch's new gambling policy, and the future of betting online. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Thousands of migrants have been bussed to northern cities from Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Republican governors say blue states should share in the responsibility of taking care of the record number of migrants coming over the border.Sue Kenney-Pfalzer, is an immigration attorney who was looking for a way to help migrants in Washington, D.C. She provided a room in her home for a family before her move to San Diego. We hear from Sue and the family she housed and talk to immigration experts experts about the situation at large. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Actor Danny Trejo has over 380 acting credits to his name, from playing an action star in the Machete series a drug cartel boss in Breaking Bad.Trejo has become one of Hollywood's go-to badasses and bad guys. It could be because his life experiences aren't too far away from those of many of his characters.Growing up, Danny was in and out of the most notorious prisons in California, enmeshed in crime and struggling with substance use.He's written about it in his memoir, Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood, which is out in both English and Spanish.This conversation was recorded in 2021.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The lights went out in Puerto Rico this week after Hurricane Fiona devastated the island. The already fragile electric infrastructure crumbled, invoking memories of the 11-month blackout the island suffered after Hurricane Maria. A Texas sheriff opened a criminal investigation into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after he arranged for 50 Venezuelan migrants to be flown to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in a political stunt. Russia's defense minister announced this week that 300,000 men will be drafted in the next phase of its invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities are also planning to hold referendums on separation in Russian-controlled portions of Ukraine in a potential effort to dissuade counter-offensives by Ukrainian troops. Protests continue in Iran over the killing of a woman who was in custody for breaking laws pertaining to wearing the hijab in public. Authorities have cracked down, leading to the deaths of at least 9 people involved in the demonstrations. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The pandemic changed the 2020 election. Voters turned out in record numbers. Many Americans took advantage of mail-in and early voting.Since 2020, pro-democracy groups say states have enacted 50 laws that make voting harder or undermine the election process.We discuss a case that could drastically change how federal elections are run. We also ask law experts what legal standing this theory has and what it could mean for your vote. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

During an appearance on 60 Minutes, President Joe Biden declared that the pandemic is over.But the pandemic isn't a thing of the past yet—something Biden should know well. His comments come as his administration asks Congress for an additional $22 billion to fight the pandemic. Some 400 to 500 Americans die each day from COVID-19. We discuss what the data tells us about this stage of the pandemic, and who gets to decide if the pandemic is over. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The British Commonwealth is a political organization of 56 countries across the globe. It accounts for 2.5 billion people, with India making up more than half of that number.But its future following the queen's death remains uncertain. Barbados left the organization last year and both Jamaica and Belize are considering departures.The history of British colonial rule in the Caribbean and the possibility of reparations are hot topics of discussion among regional advocates and leaders.We discuss the Commonwealth's history, why countries join, and why they leave.

The Senate recently confirmed TSA administrator David Pekoske for a second term. His reappointment comes as the Transportation Security Administration marks its 21st year in existence, having been created just two months after 9/11. Its two decades in operation haven't always been smooth sailing. The TSA has one of the highest turnover rates of any federal agency with one in five new hires quitting in their first six months. Public complaints about the agency are also high. Long lines, liquid limits, and random pat-downs plague many travelers. We sit down to assess our nation's aviation security and discuss whether the TSA is accomplishing what it was created to do. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Cristela Alonzo is one of only a few Latinos with a Netflix comedy special. When her first premiered in 2017, she didn't hold back on her dislike for former President Donald Trump or her identity as a Mexican-American in South Texas. Now, she's back for her second special, "Middle Classy." And she's bringing her activism with her, opening up the special with cameos from civil rights leader Dolores Huerta and Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro.She shares with us what it's like being able to finally afford to take care of herself and the importance of therapy despite the stigma among her Latino family.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Just as the Biden administration was set to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, stocks plummeted in their greatest daily drop since 2020 due to a searing inflation report.Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have gained significant ground in the country. Russian forces are pulling back. Moscow is claiming its forces are regrouping.The United Kingdom prepares for the late queen's funeral. Mourners line up for miles and world leaders fly in to pay their respects. President Joe Biden is planning his visit. Russia's Vladimir Putin is not invited.Putin instead sat down with China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi at a meeting between the leaders of major eastern governments. We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

In November, voters will pick their elected officials in the midterm elections. But some of those voters have also been hand-picked by political parties.This year judges in four states – Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, and Alabama ruled that congressional maps were illegally drawn around partisan or racial lines to favor Republicans.With four months to go before Alabama's primary, the Supreme Court said it was too close to an election to order new maps. That set a precedent allowing all four states to use illegally gerrymandered maps this fall.We discuss what this means for future elections and voting rights if states can use illegally drawn maps. We also get into how close is too close to an election to change things.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Lamenting the death of R&B has become a meme by now – something said by those in the industry and fans alike. But despite pop and hip-hop dominating the charts, R&B is kept alive by artists like Jasmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, and Brent Faiyaz. One of the genre's biggest stars is Ari Lennox, a 31-year-old D.C. native signed to rapper J. Cole's Dreamville record label. Her latest album is called "age/sex/location." She's been compared to R&B divas like Erykah Badu and Mariah Carey.We talk about Ari Lennox and the future of R&B. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The National Education Association estimates there's a shortage of roughly 300,000 teachers and staff across the U.S. The teacher shortage is particularly pronounced in rural school districts, where the need for special education teachers and STEM teachers is high.We hear from current and former teachers about the challenges of the profession.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Primary season is wrapping up and we're two months away from the November midterm elections that will decide which party will take control of the House and Senate.This year's primaries have featured both the surprising and the expected. In Kansas, voters voted against an amendment that would make abortion illegal in the state. Wyoming, Rep. Liz Cheney — a Republican and member of the Jan. 6 committee — lost her race without much fanfare. And so far, according to a recent tally from NPR, 91 percent of Trump-backed candidates have won their open primaries. We discuss what this means for the fate of the parties in November. We also look at what this political moment can tell us about the future of the country.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Best estimates suggest there are around 140,000 African-American Jewish people living in the United States. James Beard award-winning writer and historian Michael Twitty uses the term "border-crossers" to describe the community, which includes himself."We are people who have always existed but have never really had a voice," he writes in his new book, "Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew."We sit down with Twitty to talk about food, tradition, and identity.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Temperatures remain high out west as the record-breaking heat wave ravaging the region shows no signs of letting up. So far, California has avoided rolling blackouts, but the heat has led to more wildfires throughout the state.Senate Democrats are preparing to vote on protecting same-sex marriage, capping insulin costs, and antitrust legislation before the midterm elections.Meanwhile, the U.K.'s new prime minister, Liz Truss, has her hands full at the beginning of her time at 10 Downing. The queen died Thursday, surrounded by her family. We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Throughout this episode, we discuss suicide which may be distressing to some listeners and may not be suitable for young listeners. If you or anyone you know needs to talk to someone, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Millions of people enter jail in the U.S. every year. Carceral centers have become a revolving door for those with mental health issues or substance-abuse disorders.The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that inmates are entitled to life-saving medical care, but that isn't quite guaranteed.Jail deaths rose 11 percent since 2000 when the U.S. Department of Justice began tallying these deaths. Suicides are the leading cause of jail deaths. Fatal drug overdoses are the fastest growing cause of death.We look at why jail can be so harmful. And we talk about what mental health and substance abuse resources are available to inmates.This show is part of 1A's "Remaking America" project. We begin the program by looking at a string of recent jail deaths in Louisville, Kentucky, with help from our partner station WFPL.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

When President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, he allocated $80 billion for the Internal Revenue Service.The IRS says the money will help close the yearly deficit of $600 billion between the taxes the IRS collects and the taxes owed.The agency plans to spend the money on hiring new enforcement agents, modernizing technology, auditing the wealthiest Americans, and improving the taxpayer experience. But the plan has attracted partisan pushback.We discuss the obstacles the IRS has historically faced. We also talk about how far the new money will go to help the agency. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

California's state senate passed a bill last week that could revolutionize the west coast and U.S. fast-food industry. The bill aims to create a council that would set wages and working conditions for the industry.According to a study by UCLA and UC-Berkley, nearly two-thirds of fast-food workers in Los Angeles said they'd experienced wage theft. Nearly half experienced injuries or faced health and safety hazards on the job. This legislation would be the first of its kind in the country. We discuss the bill and what impacts it could have on the fast-food industry and across the U.S.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

More than a century ago, physicist Albert Einstein predicted the existence of black holes—points in space where gravity is so powerful nothing, not even light, can escape their pull. Since then, black holes have become fixtures in science fiction. They're potent symbols of mystery in part because we know so little about them. But a lot has changed in the past decade. We now understand more about these cosmic phenomena than ever before, including what they sound like. We speak to the scientist who led the project to capture the sound and two astrophysicists to better understand black holes—points where the laws of physics don't apply. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The fallout from the FBI investigation into what classified documents former President Donald Trump kept at Mar-a-Lago continues to unfold. A Department of Justice court filing says classified documents were likely "moved and hidden." That filing also noted that FBI agents found twice as many documents as had been initially turned over by Trump. The FDA authorized additional Pfizer and Moderna booster shots. The approvals have many Americans wondering how many booster shots citizens will need to be safe, and what the next wave of COVID vaccines will look like. Meanwhile, Asian countries are feeling the effects of climate change. Flooding in south Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 1,191 people. China is trying to stay cool amid its longest heat wave on record. In Russia-related news, the European Union suspended a visa program with Russia, but hasn't banned Russian visas altogether. Former USSR politician Mikhail Gorbachev died at the age of 91. We cover all this and more during this week's News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Elections officials across the country are reporting an increase in poll watchers and poll observers in the lead up to the midterms. But what happens when those keeping an eye on the democratic process are trained by groups promoting election disinformation? A survey of elections directors in North Carolina found violations in 15 counties. Officials there observed poll watchers harassing voters and attempting to enter restricted areas to view confidential voting records, according to the Associated Press. We speak with elections officials about the role of observers at voting sites, and who's watching the poll watchers as they show up at polling places. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Bruce Springsteen built his reputation on being a man of the people. That's part of why some of his fans were especially aghast at the ticket prices for his upcoming tour. Some cost upwards of thousands of dollars each. Many popular artists take advantage of a pricing system used by live events company Ticketmaster that sets prices based on demand. The more people waiting in line for tickets, the higher the prices go. But many fans aren't happy with the ballooning costs. Live Nation, Ticketmaster's parent company, owns concert venues, promotes tours, and sells tickets. Some say that leaves little room for competition, hurting fans, artists, and the industry at large. We discuss Live Nation as a monopoly, who it hurts, and what's being done to address the lack of competition. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The Department of Education estimates that 45 million Americans have borrowed $1.6 trillion dollars in debt.Tens of millions of those borrowers are getting a break. President Joe Biden announced a plan last week to forgive some student loans.The plan will do more for some than it will for others. A breakdown of who holds the most student debt shows a clear disparity in how much of the financial burden has fallen on women and people of color. As higher education has become essential for upward social mobility, student loan debt has slowed that trajectory for many people of color.We discuss which parts of Biden's plan will benefit those who have taken on the most financial burden. We also discuss how less student debt can increase economic opportunities for people of color. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

This year's midterm election spending is set to break records. Super PACs and other groups have dropped over $53 million in Democratic House primaries so far, according to OpenSecrets. In the 2018 and 2020 elections, that number was closer to $30 million. We talk about these megadonors and how much influence they have on policy decisions. We also look at a report from The New York Times about a little-known conservative nonprofit and the $1.6 billion donation they received to distribute to campaigns and causes.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

President Joe Biden unveiled a plan to forgive some student debt and change the repayment structure for some loans this week. Americans making under $125,000 can receive $10,000 in forgiveness, while Pell grants recipients can receive $20,000. The plan also caps interest at 5 percent and sets a 20-year maximum repayment schedule.Dr. Anthony Fauci is stepping down from his post as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases this December. He will also leave his role as chief medical advisor to President Biden.Meanwhile, President Joe Biden announced an additional $3 billion in military aid to Ukraine as it continues to fight back against Russian invaders. The conflict has raged for six months.Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin was the subject of a sexist "scandal" after footage of her partying with friends at a private residence began circulating on social media.We cover the stories that made headlines around the world on the international portion of the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

New abortion restrictions are going into effect this week in Idaho, Texas, and Tennessee. More than 20 million women have lost access to abortion in their home state, according to reporting from The Washington Post.So how will this affect women? Reporting shows many states that have enacted abortion bans are less likely to offer expanded Medicaid coverage and guaranteed paid family leave. Just a few Republican lawmakers are pushing for more support at the federal level.We discuss America's social safety net for parents in the post-Roe era. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. The series explores Americans' trust in institutions and the health of our democracy. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

The first polio case in the U.S. in nearly a decade was recorded in Rockland County, New York, this spring. Now, authorities believe there could be hundreds of unreported cases in the area.Polio was one of the most feared diseases in the U.S. in the early 1950s, causing more than 15,000 cases of paralysis a year.The U.S has been considered polio-free since 1979. But this latest outbreak could threaten that status.We discuss how we can prevent polio from returning to the U.S. and how you can protect yourself and loved ones. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S.Over the last 10 years, it's killed an average of 135 people per year. That's more than floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.Today, more than 13 million Americans are under an extreme heat warning, according to Heat.gov. On Aug. 3, it was 124 million. That's more than a third of the people in the U.S. We discuss how we can adapt to a hotter future and what we can expect in the years to come. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Florida students are going to return to schools facing a firehose of challenges; from a massive teacher shortage to new limits on how topics like race and sexual orientation can be taught.Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has been heavily involved in races that aren't his own. He's spending his own campaign money to support his preferred candidates for school boards across the state. And Florida Democrats have their own roster of candidates, too.We discuss why school board races are getting so much attention. We also talk about the candidates' stances on issues that will come up this school year. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

A new book by author T.J. English, who's made a career writing about organized crime, examines the close relationship between jazz and the mob.Featuring characters like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Al Capone, "Dangerous Rhythms: Jazz and the Underworld" traces the popularity of the genre through the 20th century and how gangsters helped the genre flourish.We sit down with English to talk about jazz music and the mob's shared sordid and spectacular history.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Wyoming's lone member of Congress, Liz Cheney, lost her seat to Trump-backed candidate Harriet Hageman this week – and she didn't seem surprised at the outcome.President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act Tuesday. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky announced the organization was hitting reset after falling short in its response to COVID-19. The CDC also announced a new strategy for distributing monkeypox vaccine.Meanwhile, Ukraine's president is calling on the United Nations to "ensure the security" of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. It's Europe's largest nuclear power station and has been occupied by Russia since March.The head of the World Health Organization spoke out this week about the crisis in Ethiopia's blockaded Tigray region. The 6 million people living in the area have been cut off from the world since violence erupted there in late 2020.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Wildfires are a growing threat in the American West, with climate change making them more intense and more frequent.Boulder County, Colorado, is still recovering from the Marshall Fire of December 2021. The blaze destroyed more than 1,000 homes and buildings. It was the most destructive wildfire in the state's history.As part of our "Remaking America" collaboration with KUNC, 1A visited Colorado for a live discussion to hear how the community is still recovering from the Marshall fire, and what state and local governments can do to become more resilient against climate threats. This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Migrants seeking asylum no longer have to wait in Mexico for a court hearing in the US.The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also referred to as "Remain in Mexico," was introduced in 2019 by the Trump administration. A Supreme Court decision was issued in June that allowed the Biden administration to legally terminate the program. But the process will take some time and migrants continue to be at risk and in danger.We discuss what the next steps will look like and what kind of impression the policy has left on the issue of immigration in the U.S.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.