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Leaders from nearly 200 countries are in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29 to talk about the state of global climate change mitigation efforts.As many nations flesh out their plans to reduce emissions, they're looking to secure new funding at this summit for their solutions — trillions of dollars' worth.Noticeably absent from the talks in Azerbaijan are some of the world's most influential voices on the subject — from President Joe Biden to the leaders of China, India, Brazil, Britain, Germany and France.We discuss the role the world's most powerful countries play in shaping our climate future.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

After President-elect Donald Trump's win on Nov. 5, those in the LGBTQ community have expressed worry and fear. The Trevor Project's crisis hotline saw a 700 percent spike in calls following the election. And The Rainbow Youth Project surpassed its monthly average of calls in just six days after Trump's win. Couples are also rushing to get married before Trump takes office.Trump spent millions on anti-trans ads during his campaign. Like his first term, he's promised to continue rolling back protections for LGBTQ people.We discuss what Trump will actually be able to do and how advocates are preparing. 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 marks 1,000 days since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A lot has happened in that time.This morning, the U.S. shuttered its embassy in Kyiv due to specific information about a possible air attack.Recently, Ukraine fired American-made ballistic missiles into Russia. To use these missiles, Ukraine needed permission from the Biden administration. We discuss what the closure of the American Embassy in the country's capital mean. 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

For many people, how you work now might seem unusual to your 2019 self, with hours spent in online meetings. Or maybe it's back to exactly how 2019 was, in an office cubicle. Or maybe, you never had the ability to work remotely during the pandemic.At companies across the country with employees who still work remotely some or most of the time, executives are slowly falling in line and sending the same message to their workforces: return to the office — sometimes for a few more days per week, sometimes for all five.Data for office occupancy across major U.S. cities shows that on average, about 50 percent of office seats are occupied. More workers are heading in during the middle of the week, and some cities in the South have more employees working in person compared to the Northeast, Silicon Valley, and Washington D.C.We take a look at the state of remote work. 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

U.S. flights to Haiti are grounded for the next 30 days.Three U.S. airline flights were fired on last Monday as they attempted to land in Haiti. That led to the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration has suspended all U.S. flights to Haiti for the next 30 days.Last week's gunfire came from gangs operating out of Haiti's capital city. It's the latest example of the extent of gang control in the country. Haiti has been in a state of chaos for more than three years since its last president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated.Last Monday also saw a new president sworn into office after the country's interim leader was ousted. Between a new prime minister and the continued presence of foreign security officers in Haiti — we discuss how the country is faring.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

Last week, we started talking about the finer points of what Donald Trump's second presidency will look like — key policies he says he will implement, how much he can get done, and how quickly.Now, with another week of big cabinet picks behind us, and confirmation that Republicans will hold majorities in both the Senate and House, we dive into one goal Trump is already making good on: radically changing the shape of the U.S. government in Washington.We talk about what his choices mean for the government, and who might stand in the way of this overhaul.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

Many of those in the federal government are often depicted as a distant and part of a deep state that seeks to uphold a bureaucracy over the needs of everyday Americans. But the work these people do improves our lives and often goes unnoticed.The annual Arthur S. Flemming awards honor the work done by those behind the scenes in government TenaVel Thomas, executive director of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection field academy, is one of this year's winners."To be a public servant, there is a certain level of passion that you have to have. Passion for the work, passion for the people, passion for change," she says.We speak to Thomas and two others being recognized for their outstanding work.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

President-elect Donald Trump has had a busy week floating his picks for his upcoming cabinet. Trump's team is also considering drafting an order that will create a board of retired military officials whose mandate will be to investigate generals it identifies as unfit for leadership.Trump and President Joe Biden met in the Oval Office after the former's election victory. Meanwhile, Donald Trump made his pick for U.S. ambassador to Israel this week, tapping former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Huckabee has previously questioned the existence of a Palestinian identity and opposed a two-state solution.COP29 is set to kick off in Baku, Azerbaijan this week. Very few actual heads of state are expected to attend leading analysts to wonder how much will actually be accomplished.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

Over the years, Donald Trump has not been shy expressing his disdain for our nation's capital.And in this year's campaign, he made Washington D.C. — which votes overwhelmingly for Democrats — a target in his reelection campaign.We discuss how much of his rhetoric will translate into action, and what the roughly 679,000 people who call the city home can expect. 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

President Biden has a little more than 2 months until his term is up. The time between administrations is called a "lame duck period" for a reason.So what bread crumbs could that Delaware duck look to finish off before exiting the pond?Well, Biden officials are working on rushing out the last bits of aid to Ukraine before the end of his term. In the meantime, President-elect Donald Trump is building what will be his team for the next four years.We discuss what the next few months will look like for the new administration and the one in its final days. 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

Abortion was on the ballot this past election, not just in the country's choice of president, but in the form of state initiatives.Missouri is one of the seven states where abortion rights measures prevailed. Amendment 3 passed with 51.7 percent of the vote. The measure establishes a right to reproductive freedom in the Missouri constitution. That paves the way for advocates to ask courts to knock down the current near total abortion ban.Six other states including Arizona, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Montana and Nevada also voted to protect or expand current abortion protections. But the GOP has signaled that it will look to limit abortion access nationally in the coming years given the party's dominance in Washington.We discuss the future of abortion access in the U.S. could look like.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

The election results are in, and Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. Responses to the outcome have been mixed. Some Americans are devastated while some are jubilant.An October survey by the American Psychological Association found that 77 percent of U.S. adults report the future of the nation as a significant source of stress in their lives. Some 69 percent said the 2024 election in particular was a source of significant stress.We discuss how we can cope with stress and anxiety related to politics, and how to navigate political divides in our personal lives and as a country. 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

With Election Day behind us, the past week has consisted of a lot of analysis — of what happened and how.But we're looking ahead. President-elect Trump has big plans right out of the gate come January: mass deportations, hefty new tariffs on foreign goods, and more he promises to make good on.We discuss how much of Trump's plans are possible and what headwinds he may face in Washington compared to his first term. 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

Every presidential term, the chief executive is charged with appointing a cabinet to serve as their most trusted advisors.As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to enter the White House once more, we're learning more about who he plans to appoint to his inner circle.He's already selected one of the most important positions in his cabinet: the chief of staff. Last week he tapped his campaign manager, Susie Wiles. She'll become the first woman chief of staff.We discuss how the choice in chief of staff could change the trajectory of Trump's second term. 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

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Tuesday. His victory saw big shifts in voting demographics, with one in three people of color voting for the GOP candidate.The dollar, Bitcoin, the global stock market, and Wall Street all saw monumental jumps in value at the announcement of a Trump presidency. As congratulations for the president-elect rolled in this week, officials and analysts from around the world are trying to figure out what a Trump presidency means for issues dominating global assets and attention.And despite being embroiled in conflicts on multiple fronts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed his country's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, this week.|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

As the nation continues to digest the results of the election, data on the decisive victory by Donald Trump is revealing more about how Americans voted and why.For months, Vice President Kamala Harris and now President-elect Donald Trump courted communities they thought would move the needle. But who actually came out in droves and what were the issues that brought them to the ballot box?With most of the ballots counted, we know more about the voting blocs that made a difference. One of the big takeaways is that a growing group of Latino voters threw their support behind Trump. Gender also played a role, with more women voting for Harris and men voting for Trump.We dig into the data. 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

The presidential race is called. And the candidates have spoken. That includes Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke Wednesday afternoon in Washington D.C. after conceding to President-elect Trump.But it's not just the presidency the Republicans managed to sew up this election cycle. The GOP is now in control of the Senate. And as votes are still being counted, it looks like the party has a solid chance of taking the House as well.We discuss what the Republican Trifecta means for the election. 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

The results are in. Donald Trump will be 47th president of the United States come January.He'll return to the White House as the first president who's been re-elected after being impeached during his first term. He's also been convicted of a felony since his win in 2016.Trump won several key swing states this election, outperforming how the pollsters and pundits projected he'd do in America's electoral battlegrounds.We discuss what the U.S. looks like now that the election is over, and what the results tell us about who we are. 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

"How about this weather?"There's a reason this line is one of the most famous cliche bits of smalltalk. The weather affects everyone. And most everyone wants to know what the weather's going to be like.That's where forecasts come in. People plan their days and sometimes their futures around what sort of weather they can expect. Sometimes itd can be a life-or-death situation.That's why some are balking at the Project 2025 plan to defund the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We discuss the science behind forecasts and the potential impact of Project 2025. 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

As this election season wraps up, we step away from what the Harris and Trump campaigns are doing in the final stretch.Instead, we look to what's happening outside the U.S. that could impact the election. The federal government and technology companies like Microsoft are reporting that, once again, foreign actors are trying to interfere in the presidential election and down ballot races. That includes hostile countries like Russia and geopolitical competitors like China.We discuss why countries want to interfere in this election, what they hope to gain, and what these operations typically look like. 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

Tomorrow is election day. More than 74 million Americans have already cast their votes.Over the weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made what will likely be their final pitches to voters. We discuss what we can expect the rest of the week and more importantly, in the weeks to follow.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

In the final days of his campaign, former President Donald Trump held a rally at Madison Square Garden in his home city of New York. The supposed success of the event was unfortunately overshadowed by racist comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who was invited to open for the former real estate mogul.House Speaker Mike Johnson took aim at the Affordable Care Act this week, promising massive reform to the law at an event in Pennsylvania should Trump emerge victorious from the election.Meanwhile, despite multiple warnings from the United States, aid to Gaza has fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of Israel's campaign against Hamas, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.The Pentagon said this week that North Korea sent 10,000 soldiers to Russia that are likely meant to reinforce Russian troops as the latter army continues its invasion of Ukraine.Georgia's prime minister is taking a victory lap following a supposed "landslide" election result. Irakli Kobakhidze, however, also took time to reject allegations of vote-rigging and violence in an interview with the BBC.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

What scares you the most? Is it something creepy and crawly? Something that slithers?Maybe it's the dark, or the end of the world, or, even worse, a bad report card.We all have things that scare us. And movies are good at making us experiencing those things in a safe way. But why do we even want to do it in the first place? We discuss what we like about being scared. And later... Vampires have been a pop culture staple for decades — as movie monsters and as metaphors for our deepest desires. And whether your favorite vampires are Nosferatu and Dracula, or Louis and Lestat, they all have a few bloody things in common.We get into why the vampire myth prevails and how the vampire genre is changing, during our Spooky 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

If you've ever travelled to a different time zone, you probably felt groggy and tired after your flight. Or you've likely missed that extra hour when the clock jumps forward for Daylight Savings time in the spring.You may work a 9-to-5 job or go to school from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. But these aren't the only clocks that dictate how we live. In fact, our bodies have trillions of internal clocks that tell us when to eat, sleep, and perform other biological tasks throughout the day. One of those clocks is our circadian rhythm.In a society where staring at our phones before falling asleep or getting up with an alarm clock is the norm, most of us are out of sync with our circadian rhythm. But there are serious health consequences to this disconnect.In this installment of "The Scientific Method," we talk about how our circadian rhythm works, how we can live in sync with it, and what happens when we're not.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

Less than one week from election day, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her final address to a crowd of more than 75,000 in Washington D.C.That number is according to the Harris campaign. Last night's rally was held at the Ellipse, the park south of the White House. It's also the site where former President Donald Trump held his rally on Jan. 6 of 2021.It was an event alluded to by the vice president, who focused her address on the differences between herself and Trump.The race between Harris and Trump remains tight less than a week from Election Day, and at least 50 million Americans have already voted. We discuss the significance of Vice President Harris' address. 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

We're one week away from the election. Millions of Americans have already cast their votes, but Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are not done campaigning.Over the weekend, Harris garnered support from several major Latino artists, including Bad Bunny, J-Lo and Ricky Martin. Their endorsements followed racist remarks about Latinos and Puerto Ricans made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday. The Trump campaign has said these remarks do not reflect its views.We talk about the role Latino voters are playing in the election.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 was early on Wednesday morning some four years ago, hours after the polls had closed when then President Donald Trump falsely claimed victory in the election of 2020.Never mind the fact that millions of legitimate votes had yet to be counted. And a half-dozen states hadn't yet been called for either Trump or President Joe Biden.POLITICO has spoken to dozens of people familiar or involved with the election process this year. And according to their reporting, a consensus has emerged. Not only could Donald Trump make a second attempt to overturn an election if he loses. But the groundwork for doing so has already been laid.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

Early voting is underway in the 2024 election. Donald Trump's former chief of staff revealed some upsetting details of the former president times in office this week. John Kelly, the former Marine general who worked for the Trump administration, said that the 45th president once remarked he needed "Hitler's generals" during a conversation about Germany.Meanwhile, overseas, a top Hezbollah leader was killed this week in an Israeli air attack. Hashem Safieddine was expected to assume control of the armed group following the death of his cousin Hassan Nasrallah, their former leader.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to Israel that the death of a top Hamas leader last week could lead to an opening for peace and more aid to flow into Gaza.We cover all this and more during this week's 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

The ideology of Christian nationalism holds that the United States should be closer to and informed by Christian principles. It's been more present in American politics lately, being referenced openly by elected officials and candidates alike.But what is Christian nationalism? Who follows it and what is its purpose? Why is it different from Christian faiths, including evangelical Christianity?We talk to three Christians who are making it their job to push back against this movement from a religious point of view.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

U.S. health care has a reputation for costing a pretty penny – and making one, too.So, when the country's largest for-profit health care system – Steward Health Care in Dallas, Texas – filed for bankruptcy in May, alarm bells sounded.In September, CEO Ralph de la Torre was subpoenaed to testify about it in front of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.For the latest installment of our Local Spotlight series, we highlight the work of The Boston Globe's Spotlight team reporting on Steward Health Care.We discuss how a for-profit health care system goes from the largest in its field to left with nothing how that affected the communities it served. 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

When most people think of the a midlife crisis, they picture a man in his 50s dating a younger woman and buying a sports car.But what does this depiction of midlife get wrong and who gets left behind by this narrative? What changes actually take place during our midlives and why is this period of life so under-researched despite everyone alive having decent odds of living through it?We gather a panel of experts and sit down to break down our midlives.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

2024 is the first presidential election with AI in play, and currently, there are few regulations about the use of AI in politics. Last month, the Federal Election Commission decided not to impose new rules on the tech ahead of the election. That means it's fair game and it's being used as such.In August, former president Donald Trump posted a picture of an AI generated image of Taylor Swift endorsing him. It led to a response from the pop mega star. In July, Elon Musk shared a video on X that cloned Vice President Kamala Harris' voice saying things she never said.Beyond the memes, U.S. intelligence officials say Russia and Iran are using the technology to influence our election. OpenAI, the company behind tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E, noticed these efforts as well.We discuss how AI will affect this election, and elections going forward.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

Polling suggests the momentum Vice President Kamala Harris enjoyed in August has slowed somewhat.Walgreens is set to close 1,200 stores over the next 3 years and some 800 more are under evaluation.U.S. officials have given Israel an ultimatum: either allow more aid into Gaza or face the prospect of an arms embargo and cuts to other military support.And India and Canada have each expelled the other's top diplomats after Canadian officials accused their Indian counterparts of orchestrating the murder of a prominent Sikh activist and leader.We cover the most important stories from around the world on our 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

For this installment of our Sound Bites series, we're thinking about why fall favorites are so beloved.Of course, there's the staples, like apples and pumpkins and yams. But what about other in-season offerings, like guavas, and watermelons?We dive into the familiar and not-so-familiar flavors that make this season special, discuss nutrition, and offer up some recipes you can use to make the most of your fall harvest.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

How do we really come to understand what it is we put in our bodies? Things like nutrition, expiration, and innovation?How long do leftovers really last? Why do certain food combinations work so well? How do companies like Lays and Taco Bell come up with new food flavors?In this edition of Sound Bites, we break down the science of food and the process of food innovation.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

Men under 30 are more likely to support Donald Trump than women in their age group.The gender gap in terms of American voters' candidate preference has never been wider.We talk about the role young male voters will play in this election. We discuss what this election means to this group of people, and what trends in their preferences can tell us about their role in deciding the next president. 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

In this edition of Sound Bites, we're talking about the art of food preservation.Pickling, canning, pie fillings and jams. We ask master food preserver Christina Ward about the best ways to save the last of your summer fruits and veggies, and what you can preserve as the fall harvest begins. Is there something in the garden that needs saving before it goes bad? Eyeing something at the farmer's market, but not sure how to save it for the colder months? We get into it. 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

A mission to study one of the solar system's most promising environments is underway.NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft was designed to explore its namesake, Jupiter's moon Europa, launched on Monday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Europa Clipper will serve as the organization's first spacecraft dedicated to studying an ice-covered ocean world in our solar system.It aims to determine whether the moon could be habitable for life as we know it. The spacecraft will carry nine instruments and a gravity experiment intended to investigate the ocean beneath Europa's thick ice shell.We discuss the mission with Author David W. Brown. His latest book, "The Mission," chronicles the quest to study this remarkable celestial body.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

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on the podcast "Call Her Daddy" last week. She spent some time responding to a comment from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders who spoke about the Democratic nominee at a Trump rally in September."My kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn't have anything keeping her humble," said Sanders.Kamala Harris is a step-mom to her husband, Doug Emhoff's two kids.What does it mean to be a step-mom – and for that matter, step-kid, dad, and sibling? Co-called blended families are everywhere. We discuss what it's like being in a blended family and navigating life outside of one.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

Fall is a season that's great for many things: taking walks among the red-orange leaves, sipping warm beverages with a book in hand. It's also an especially good time for baking. It's last day of September, but the first day of our weeklong fall food series called "Sound Bites."Each day, we're tackling a different topic related to fall foods from the art of preservation to fall flavors with a food scientist. And we're starting the week with a show on fall baking.We're talking about bread, cookies, pies, cakes and more so warm up the oven, grab your measuring cups and get ready to be super hungry.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 just not one election that picks the president. It's 51. Every state and Washington D.C. has its own rules and deadlines for voting. And in most states, early voting is already underway.More than 4 in 10 voters cast their ballots by mail in 2020. That's according to an analysis from MIT's Election Data and Science Lab.Nearly 4 million mail-in ballots have already been cast in this election. That's only a fraction of the more than 53 million voters have requested so far – about a quarter of all expected voters. And the requests are split evenly between political parties so far. That's according to The New York Times.We discuss the role mail-in ballots could play in determining the outcome of the election. 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

Admiral James Stavridis led NATO's global operations from 2009 to 2013 as 16th Supreme Allied Commander for the alliance.His new book is called "The Restless Wave." It's the latest installment of historical fiction from one of the country's most respected military leaders. Stavridis recently warned that warfare is "shapeshifting in front of our eyes."He says the war in Ukraine is a fight that's both very low tech, a battle being fought in the trenches, and high tech, with the use of drones in the air and at sea.We sit down with Admiral Stavridis, discuss his latest book and answer your questions. 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

Just days after Hurricane Helene devastated the American southwest, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, hitting Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg hard.During an appearance on a podcast, former President Donald Trump said that he believed immigrants who commit murder have "bad genes," a concept that ties the impulse to commit such a crime is genetically determined.Meanwhile, as the war in Gaza and Israel's invasion of Lebanon continue, the Biden administration is losing trust in the Israeli government, according to new reporting from Axios. After its 91-year-old president failed to attend a summit in France, the Cameroonian government released a statement this week saying that Paul Biya, the country's chief executive, is in good health and that reports to the contrary are false.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

From Vice President Kamala Harris's viral campaign moments to former President Donald Trump's appearances on popular podcasts, this election has served up a different flavor of how the internet can shake up an election.But how powerful can the tides of the internet really be for a presidential candidate? We talk about the power of social media and influencers have in this election season.We also sit down with Gen Z voters to hear what issues matter most to them, their thoughts on misinformation, and more.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

For the first time in decades, obesity rates in the U.S. are not on the rise.The adult obesity rate fell to about 40 percent in 2023, down from 41.9 percent in 2020, according to the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the CDC.While the study doesn't pinpoint one sole reason for the change, the timing coincides with the rise of a new class of drugs targeting diabetes and weight loss, like Ozempic and Wegovy.As part of our series In Good Health, we discuss these new medications and the falling rate of obesity.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

Octavia Butler's 1993 novel "The Parable of the Sower" contains a powerful and poignant vision of the United States of the future, one that rings scarily true in the present. The 2024 of Butler's 1993 work isn't so far away from the 2024 in which we're all currently living. Butler published a sequel, Parable of the Talents, in 1998. Both feature a protagonist named Lauren Olamina, a young woman trying to survive and make a life for herself.So what can we learn from Butler's novel? What makes both Sower and Talents so enduring as a series of speculative science fiction? And what does it mean that our world more and more bears resemblance to works of apocalyptic fiction?We discuss Butler's novels, and the message of hope she has at the center of this dark story.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

Millions in Florida and across the southeast are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton.On Monday, the storm was upgraded to Category 4 hurricane over the southern Gulf of Mexico. The storm's expected to landfall on Wednesday suggests a path of movement that includes Tampa and Orlando.Mass evacuations are underway less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline. We discuss how those in harm's way are preparing for another storm with life-threatening power. 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

Hamas fighters killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, the Israeli government launched airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza, killing almost 42,000 people so far according to Palestinian health authorities.Despite repeated attempts, the United States has failed to broker a ceasefire – in both Gaza and now at Israel's northern border as its military targets the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.Typically, each week leading up to Nov. 5, we focus on the stakes of this election, for people, our country, and our democracy. Today's episode of "If You Can Keep It" takes a look at the stakes of the U.S. election for the people of a Middle East in conflict.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

Hurricane Helene ripped through several states in the southeast and southern Appalachian regions of the U.S.Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance faced off on Tuesday in what's expected to be their only debate of this election cycle for Vice President.Meanwhile, Israeli forces crossed the border into Lebanon this to conduct what authorities called "localized raids" into Lebanese villages that they claim pose threats to Israeli communities. They also battled Hezbollah militants.The United Nations extended its Kenya-led mission against gangs in Haiti for another year on Monday as violence continues to plague the island nation, but would not commit to sending a peacekeeping force.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? 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

Hurricane Helene and its aftereffects are devastating areas in the southern United States as towns are flooded and communities are isolated.The storm has killed at least 166 people across six states with many still missing. Hundreds of roads have been closed, over a million people are without power, and in Asheville, North Carolina, 100,000 people are facing the possibility of going weeks without water.We get into what relief efforts are being undertaken, and what the situation looks like on the ground currently in the affected areas.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

We're breaking down what happened in New York City last night on the vice-presidential debate stage. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz faced off against Ohio Sen. JD Vance.Stakes last night were high. It was likely the last debate before Election Day, which is just a month away. Early voting has already begun in many places. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll released on Saturday, the race remains extraordinarily close in key battleground states.So, let's get into what happened and what it means for the presidential election.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

President Jimmy Carter turns 100 on Oct. 1. To mark the occasion, 1A is talking all about the legacy of a president whose time as office is sometimes called "underrated."Carter brokered huge deals in trade and tried securing peace in the Middle East. But his handling of the Iran hostage crisis and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan overshadowed much of the success the earlier part of his sole term in the White House.We discuss how Jimmy Carter's presidency should be remembered, nearly 50 years later.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

In this "If You Can Keep It" discussion, we're turning to some consequential races you might not be keeping front of mind: those concerning state supreme courts. And in 33 states this November, voters will decide their state supreme court's justices.Make no mistake, these courts are influential, deciding cases related to their respective state constitutions and electoral questions like whether legislative districts are gerrymandered. And they decide cases related to other major issues at stake around the country.We look at how the races for state supreme courts this year might determine the fates of reproductive access, electoral maps, and more.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

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on at several federal criminal charges. Investigators have spent months looking into allegations of campaign finance violations and foreign influence in Adams' election.A new Senate report released this week revealed troubling details about the Secret Service's handling of security at the Pennsylvania rally where former President Donald Trump was shot. The document details "foreseeable, preventable" problems that have yet to be addressed.Israeli military officials have informed service members that its air strikes in Lebanon might lead to an invasion of the country, supposedly aimed at allowing Israelis displaced by fighting at the border to return to their homes.Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress that he and his agency had not concluded that Israel had deliberately blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza during its attacks in the area. However, new reporting from ProPublica indicates that two other government agencies concluded that Israel had indeed blocked aid, and had informed Blinken of that fact.We cover these stories 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? 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

How do you start your work day? Sometimes there can be a lot to do, and a lot to keep in our heads all at once. Why has work turned into such a grind for so many Americans? What does overwork and stress from work do to us? And how can we change work for the better, no matter what career we're in?Author and journalist Brigid Schulte's new book, "Over Work" dives into America's obsession with working and how work culture affects our individual and a collective health. We sit down with Schulte and discuss her book. 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

Most of us have experienced awkward moments in our lives, whether it's stuttering in front of a crush or presenting an idea at a meeting that's met with crickets. But avoiding awkwardness can mean not having necessary conversations or missing out on meaningful connections that may have started with an awkward exchange. We discuss awkwardness and what we can learn from it if we embrace it.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

When you're eating sushi, something's always in season.Sushi established itself in America in the 1960s and '70s in Los Angeles. Since the cuisine made inroads on the West Coast, it's gone national. You can find restaurants serving dishes like nigiri in every state and can find stripped-down versions of popular dishes in American drugstores sold alongside cheese and crackers.It's safe to say Americans are taken with sushi. But it's a genre of food with a long history and specific philosophy. How much can we say we really know about it? Other than the fact that it's extremely tasty.As part of our "Ask A" series, we take your questions to sushi experts. 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

In this edition of If You Can Keep It, we're focusing on campaign donations – where those funds come from and where they go.New data from the Federal Election Commissions reveals how much the campaigns have raised and spent for the month of August. It was the first full month of fundraising for Vice President Kamala Harris since she became the Democratic nominee. How did she do?You might also be inundated with texts and emails from election campaigns asking for contributions. We discuss how those contributions are spent and answer your questions. 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

Last Sunday saw yet another apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump's life at one of his golf courses in Florida. The Secret Service has come under renewed scrutiny.The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday after its September meeting that it has cut its main interest rate by half of a percent. It's the first cut to interest rates since the beginning of the pandemic in March 20-20. Meanwhile, two waves of deadly explosions involving pagers, walkie talkies, and other electronic devices rocked Lebanon and Syria this week. Israeli officials notified the U.S. that the country was going to carry out an operation in Lebanon on Tuesday but did not give any details about what was planned.On Monday, a European Union naval mission said salvagers successfully towed a Greek-flagged oil tanker. The tanker was attacked by Houthi rebels in early September. We cover all these stories 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? 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

How do some media organizations call an election before it's officially decided? Some have their own election analysts. Others, including NPR, rely on reporting from the Associated Press for breaking news from all around the country. Especially on election night. As votes roll in, the AP is regarded as the definitive source for when a state gets called in favor of one candidate or the other. It's how we find out who our next president is going to be. We take a closer look at the process and answer your questions about how it works. 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

Book festivals are special events where authors are celebrities and audiences are bookworms ready to nerd out among their our own. Every year, more than 100 of these festivals take place nationwide. And one of the largest is in the nation's capital, hosted by the world's biggest library: The Library of Congress.Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden joins us to discuss highlights from this year's National Book Festival, in Washington D.C.We hear from some of the country's most prominent authors on their latest works, and the inspiration behind their craft. 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

Scenes of chaos struck in Beirut on Tuesday where authorities say that 9 people have been killed and thousands injured. That's after hundreds of handheld pagers exploded near simultaneously in parts of Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday. Among those wounded was Iran's ambassador to Lebanon. The pagers were used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah. In a statement released on Tuesday. Hezbollah said that two members of the Iran-backed group were among those killed. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for the incident.The Israeli government has not commented. We get the latest on the situation.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

Delicatessen supplier Boar's Head is shutting down its Virginia plant indefinitely after being linked to a listeria outbreak which killed nine people and hospitalized 57.Some 7 million pounds of meat has been recalled. Two years before the outbreak, the USDA submitted reports indicating the Virginia plant posed an imminent threat to food safety. That report cited mold, rust, and insects, among other concerns.The deadly listeria outbreak comes amid a rise in food recalls. According to Public Interest Research Group, 2023 saw their highest number since before the pandemic. Just last week, warnings were sent out for apple juice, eggs, cantaloupes, and cinnamon.We discuss the increase in food recalls and what consumers can do to protect themselves and their loved ones.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

Former President Donald Trump is safe after what the FBI says was an "attempted assassination" while playing golf at a Trump property in Florida on.On Monday, the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was charged with federal gun crimes. Additional and more serious charges are possible as the investigation continues. Officials say no motive has been determined at this time.The apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump – the second threat to his life in recent months – raises questions about how to keep the former president safe.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 November, voters in 41 states will consider 159 ballot measures. That's no more than usual. From 2010 to 2022, the average number in election years was 161.What is unusual is the number of abortion-related measures: 11, the most on record for a single year.Other consequential issues are up for consideration, too. Voters in multiple states will decide on non-citizen voting bans, electoral processes, and the minimum wage.We get an overview of ballot measures nationwide and the strategies opponents and supporters are using to sway the outcomes their way.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

Some 67 million people tuned in to watch Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in their first and maybe only debate of this election season on Tuesday.On Wednesday, state and local officials across the country warned that issues with the U.S. postal service could result in disenfranchised voters this election. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering 1,200 displaced Palestinians killed six U.N. staffers at a refugee camp in Central Gaza. At least 18 Palestinians were killed in the attack.The Department of Justice exposed Russian ties to right wing social media influencers. U.S. prosecutors say the Kremlin media company RT funneled nearly $10 million to a platform for content creators. We cover all these stories 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? 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

You've likely heard the saying "all politics is local." But here's the hitch. For many local offices, there's often just one candidate running in a race. Sometimes, nobody's running at all. In 2022, 67 percent of races went uncontested. That's according to the nonpartisan research organization BallotReady.That not only leaves voters with a lack of choice, but also raises questions about how and where we choose to live and who influences local policies.We discuss uncontested races and why they matter. 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

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took to the debate stage in Philadelphia last night. It was the first debate between the two presidential candidates this election cycle and it could be the last before November. And the stakes were high. According to the latest NPR-PBS Newshour-Marist poll, Harris leads Trump by one point among voters nationally.Thirty percent of voters polled said the debate would decide which candidate they vote for.We discuss the big takeaways and what the debate could mean for the election. 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 NPR Climate Solutions Week. Across the network, we're talking about how to slow the effects of climate change. Offshore wind is a powerful source of clean, renewable energy. But it's deployment along U.S. shores has been slowed by supply chain challenges and significant local opposition. Just last week, the Biden Administration approved the nation's tenth offshore wind project.It's part of the president's goal to power 10 million American homes with offshore wind by the end of the decade. But Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has vowed to cancel all projects on his first day in the Oval Office. We discuss how offshore wind can help slow climate change. 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

A growing number of voters in swing states are saying that abortion could sway their decision in the election this November.But the presidency isn't the only place abortion is relevant on the ballot. At least 11 states—including Arizona, Montana, and Florida—are voting directly on the issue this fall.It's been two years since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade. For this installment of 'If You Can Keep It,' we discuss how the abortion rights landscape has changed and what those changes mean for the election.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

Officials last night in Georgia charged the father of the suspected Apalachee High gunman with two counts of second-degree murder. On Wednesday, his 14-year-old son was arrested and charged with four counts of felony murder after he allegedly killed two students and two teachers at his high school.Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Govs. Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo was charged this week with being an agent of the Chinese government. Meanwhile, overseas, Israel has been carrying out large-scale raids in the occupied West Bank, which it says are aimed at dismantling militant groups and preventing attacks. The U.N. says Israeli forces have killed at least 30 Palestinians in the West Bank, marking the area's highest weekly death toll since November. The U.S. is accusing Russia of perpetrating a widespread election interference campaign. Two states in Germany's former Communist east held elections on Sunday. The far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AFD, made big gains in both elections. 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 one of the world's most serious current crises – and yet, this conflict is being deemed "forgotten."But it's certainly well known by the more than 25 million people in Sudan who are facing hunger and the 11 million who have been displaced from their homes.Since April of last year, conflict has raged between two Sudanese military groups, putting civilians in the middle of 500 days of violence and causing greater humanitarian crisis.One report predicts that more than 2.5 million people could die of hunger by the end of this month. At least 150,000 people have been killed and the International Criminal Court has accused both warring parties of war crimes.We talk to a group of experts about the crisis.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

If you've followed the past month of presidential politics – a month that might feel like a decade – you may have noticed a particular issue come up that hasn't gotten much attention from national campaigns in the past: housing.Both the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, and their vice-presidential picks, are talking about it on the stump.We discuss why housing is a central issue in the campaign and what the federal government can do to make renting or buying a home more affordable.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

In a time of widespread suspicion and cynicism, everyone has a role to play in strengthening social trust and building bridges.How can we create optimism about the present and the future?That big question was central to a conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June.We discuss how individuals and organizations can work together to repair the fundamental bonds of a healthy society. 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

You're listening to a public radio show. There's a good chance you're into books and the stores that sell them.And what's not to love? There might be few greater joys in life than a warm drink, a kind clerk with good recs, and the scent of freshly printed pages wafting through the air.But in the age of the internet (and especially of Amazon) the future of the world's independent book sellers looks murky. But not hopeless.We discuss what the future holds for these brick and mortar institutions.Find more of our programs online. 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

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have wrapped a two-day campaign swing through Georgia. They also gave their first major TV interview.It's been an eventful week for Donald Trump. Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a revised criminal indictment against the real estate mogul this week. The former president's campaign is also under fire for breaking protocol at Arlington National Cemetery.Meanwhile, the Israeli military launched its most intense operation in the north of the Occupied West Bank since 2002. Four Palestinian journalists – Motaz Azaiza, Hind Khoudary, Bisan Owda, and Wael Al-Dahdouh – have been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their reporting during the war. So far, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has registered 285 candidates.On Saturday, French police arrested the CEO of the messaging app Telegram at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris after he arrived on an international flight. He was held until Wednesday and released on bail.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? 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 back to school season, which means America's students are back to studying. And some kids are turning to energy drinks to handle their workload.But energy drinks aren't the same as your morning cup of coffee. In one serving, there's way more caffeine and other ingredients to enhance the "energizing" effect. But that's nothing new. They've been around for years, with flashy branding and the promise of a quick jolt of activity. But they might not be the healthiest option for those of us whose bodies are just beginning to develop.Doctors advise against children drinking them, yet between 30 and 50 percent of adolescents do.For this installment of our "In Good Health" series, we break down down what exactly an energy drink is and how they interact with the bodies of young people.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

Ten months into Israel's war with Gaza, Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris is highlighting the White House's work towards a ceasefire deal.But negotiations have stalled. The most recent talks in Cairo, sponsored by the U.S., ended without an agreement. And as tensions escalate on the border between Israel and Lebanon, the path forward seems even more unclear.Organizers and uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention protested for a ceasefire in Gaza, an arms embargo for Israel, and the party's decision to deny the request of a pro-Palestinian speaker at the convention.What does this moment mean for the Biden White House? And what do we know about what Middle East foreign policy would look like under a potential Harris presidency?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

The Paralympic Games in Paris kick off today. Athletes with varying physical disabilities from 177 countries are heading to the city of light to compete in 22 different sports.NBC promises record coverage of the Paralympic Games, but it wasn't until the Tokyo Games when the Paralympics received prime time coverage.This summer's competition promises plenty of other firsts such as the largest refugee Paralympic team in history, a record number of women athletes, and more.We sit down with some Paralympians and give you the full Paris Paralympics preview.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

In May of 2021, archaeologists discovered over 200 unmarked graves at an Indigenous residential school in Canada. The discovery exposed the dark history of systemic abuse faced by Canada's Indigenous community.At least 150,000 Indigenous children attended Indigenous residential schools in Canada. For decades, they were removed from their homes and families and held in institutions run by the Catholic church and Canadian government."Sugarcane" is a new documentary that follows one of those schools – St. Joseph's Mission near the Sugarcane Reservation of Williams Lake in British Columbia. We speak with the film's directors.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

Ranked choice voting is a way of electing candidates that's different from what most Americans are used to. As a voter, you get to rank your preferred candidates. So, you don't just choose one name. You may have a first, second, and third preference for who represents you.When voting is over, a process of elimination takes place. The lowest vote-getter in the first round is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to higher vote-getters, according to how voters ranked the other candidates. The process continues until you end up with a winner. Ranked choice voting systems are already in place for some races in Alaska, Maine, and cities like Minneapolis and New York City.What's driving reformers to push for these ranked choice voting systems in more states? And how are voters responding?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

The Democratic Party gathered in Chicago this week for the party's national convention ahead of November's election to ceremonially confirm their nominee in the 2024 presidential race: Vice President Kamala Harris. Elsewhere and across the aisle, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, made an appearance in Wisconsin Tuesday, criticizing Democrats over crime in communities like Kenosha.Meanwhile, after further talks between mediators this week, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remains elusive. Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unscheduled visit to the region of Chechnya this week, his first trip to the mainly Muslim republic within the Russian Federation in nearly 13 years. He was there to inspect Chechen troops and volunteers preparing to fight in Ukraine.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

Dr. Ruth Westheimer was unassuming – a small woman with a friendly smile and an ever-present German accent. As she would say, she could be someone's mother or grandmother. But a grandmother who told you what you needed to know about sex.She died in July at the age of 96. She spent more than 50 of those years teaching America how to talk about sex, using straightforward medical terms and rejecting a sense of shame around the subject. We look at her legacy, and how she impacted the way Americans talk about sex and relationship issues.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

As climate change continues to warm the world, the aging systems and outdated infrastructure that help bring us clean water are buckling. Severe weather events like floods and droughts also disrupt our water infrastructure and supply.How are America's communities dealing with water-related challenges like boil advisories and contaminations events? How is it changing the day-to-day lives of the people who live there?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

President Joe Biden recently unveiled his plan to reform the Supreme Court. The proposals aim to counteract what he sees as a crisis of public confidence caused by decisions like the the overturning of a longstanding precedent in Roe v. Wade and the decision to grant broad immunity to presidents.Polls show most Americans are behind reform. According to a July Fox News national survey, approval of the court dropped to a record low of 38 percent. And according to a poll from earlier this month by USA Today and Ipsos, 76 percent of Americans support a binding code of Supreme Court ethics.What kind of reforms would bring back trust to the court? And is change even possible?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

Disinformation and misinformation are spreading. Like rumors of widespread election fraud even though after dozens of court cases, statewide audits, and innumerable investigations, there's no evidence for it.The stakes are high – for our upcoming election, for our national security, and even for our relationships. How and why are falsehoods spreading this election cycle? And how can we fight back?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

The Trump campaign confirms it's been hacked. July's Consumer Price Index showed that annual inflation dipped below 3 percent for the first time since 2021. Experts say this puts the Federal Reserve firmly on track to cut interest rates at its meeting next month. Meanwhile, two military groups are at war in Sudan, each trying to take control of the country. Ukraine deals a major counterblow when its military launches a surprise attack into Russia. And the World Health Organization declares mpox a global health emergency. Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970. 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

According to 2022 data published by the CDC, birth rates declined for women 24 and under and rose for women ages 25 to 29 and even older from 35 to 49. For many women, having children later in life is made possible through fertility treatment.That phrase encompasses a lengthy journey of testing and treatments. One that has many steps and many a dollar attached to it.Kristen V. Brown is a health reporter. She went through the IVF journey in the U.S. and documented it in the new podcast "Misconception." We discuss her reporting. 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

Israel and Hamas ceasefire talks were supposed to take place today.But on Sunday, Hamas backed out.The U.S. has been working on a ceasefire deal for months. And this week was a crucial moment in those inner workings, with White House officials ready to travel for what would have been a final day of negotiations per the American-proposed "deadline." The talks – hosted by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt – were supposed to be the final steps before peace, even if temporary. Now, U.S. intelligence suggests that Iran plans to attack Israel within days.We discuss the latest. 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 after midnight in Texas. On a military base tarmac, a plane lands. The door opens and one American after another steps out into the summer night. Their names are Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva.A landmark prisoner exchange with Russia on Aug. 1 released the three Americans, as well as American green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza. The effort involved multiple countries and months of negotiations.We discuss what we know about how the U.S. brokered this deal with Russia. We discuss why the risk of being detained by hostile governments has increased.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

Or rather – the tens of millions of editors who have contributed and updated its pages. More than 100,000 so-called "Wikipedians" have done so in the past month alone.Debate often arises among editors. For example, a couple months ago, editors thrashed out where the two words "convicted felon" should appear on Donald Trump's page. In the first few sentences? Or buried further down?What does the future of the site hold?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

Some 67 percent of Republicans say the Bible should influence U.S. laws to some extent, compared to 32 percent of Democrats. That's according to a report this year from the Pew Research Center.In June, Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms. And earlier this year, Alabama's Supreme Court cited the Bible in a ruling that frozen embryos created through in-vitro fertilization are considered children.What does this mean for U.S. politics? And what might it mean for the election come November.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 sitting in your home right now, humming away. If prompted, you might say it's one of the most important appliances you own. But you probably don't give your refrigerator too much thought.The humble fridge has been a staple in American households since it became popular in the 1940s and '50s. Fridges today have more space than ever, and more gadgets to make them "smart." But sometimes, problems arise. Wilting lettuce, a container of strawberries going bad days before you expected. An icemaker on the fritz. And a tub of yogurt hiding behind the condiments that you know you bought... sometime in the past few weeks.We discuss how our refrigerated food system developed, how it affects the food we eat, and how we can use our fridges more effectively.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

The candidates in the 2024 election are finally clear. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be the Democratic candidates. The stock market tumbled on Monday. The S&P fell over 3 percent in a single day. There has been, however, a slight rebound as the week has continued. Meanwhile, overseas, Israel is bracing for expected retaliation from Iran and its proxies following the assassinations of a senior Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah leader, Fuad Shukur, in Lebanon late last month.This week, an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held in the Saudi port city of Jeddah. More than 50 members of Muslim-majority nations met to discuss the killings.The global economy has been unstable this week. But nowhere more so than Japan, where the stock market plummeted by 12 percent on Monday. It was the worst single day since 1987.We cover all this and more during our 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

How do you tie together the stories of ancient Egypt, Robin Hood, Freddy Kreuger, and Hamlet – on a single stage? Well, through time travel, of course. But also with the minds and talent of a group of actors at Sing Sing correctional facility in New York. Such a play – titled "Breakin' the Mummy's Code" – was made possible through a program called RTA: Rehabilitation Through the Arts. It was born in 1996 after a group of incarcerated men at Sing Sing put on a few theater productions. They decided they wanted those productions to be something more – an organized group that could bring the power of theater to people inside prisons.The program's story is now on the big screen in the film "Sing Sing." We talk to the people who made the movie possible.Find more of our programs online. 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 a brutal year for wildfires. Nearly 100 are raging right now across the U.S. And the season's peak hasn't even arrived. In California, the Park Fire has gobbled up 400,000 acres since July 24, making it the fourth-largest blaze in state history. Worsening wildfires are a result of climate change, which has created drier, warmer conditions.That's dangerous for those in the path of the flames – but also downwind. Kids' lungs are especially vulnerable to the smoke. Their growing bodies are more at risk from climate change's effects – like worsening air quality and rising temperatures – than adults. We discuss the impact of rising temperatures on children. 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

Airfares have gone up 25 percent in the last year. And the average U.S. driver spent 42 hours, or a full work week, in traffic congestion last year.Enter trains.A record number of people are hitting the tracks. While passenger trains have been a common mode of transportation for centuries, the country has never had a dedicated high-speed rail line.That's expected to change in the next few years with two high-speed rail lines currently under construction in the Southwest and several more in planning phases across the country.We discuss how high-speed rails could change the landscape of transportation in our country.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

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is the man of the hour.The Democrat will join Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket come November as her pick for vice president.He was selected from a group of Democratic officials including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.He's expected to appear alongside Vice President Harris at her rally today in Philadelphia.We discuss how Vice President Harris' choice might appeal to Democratic voters nationwide.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

Kamala Harris is scheduled to start campaigning with her new running mate tomorrow which means a decision is fast approaching. Two of the three candidates hail from swing states, indicating a desire to appeal to moderate voters. Harris met with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz yesterday.Moderates are an important group in this election, especially for Democrats. A 2022 Gallup poll suggests the percentage of Americans who hold either moderate or conservative political positions is tied. But liberals remain the smallest group at 25 percent of the population.We unpack who these voters are, what we get wrong about them, and how they could shape the presidential election.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

The National Association for Black Journalists invited former President Donald Trump for an on-stage interview on Wednesday.Iowa's abortion ban went into effect this week.And, in global news, Israel says two major leaders of Hamas were killed this week. While the U.N. Human Rights Office issued a report saying tens of thousands of Palestinians have been arbitrarily detained by Israeli authorities since Oct. 7.We cover the most important stories in America and around the world in our weekly 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

In most places in the U.S., if you see a pothole or broken streetlight, you can contact the city to request a repair. But response times vary dramatically.In Memphis, Tennessee, it takes an average of five days for the city to fill a pothole upon a citizen's request. Louisville, Kentucky, and Miami Florida, complete the task within a couple of weeks. But, in New Orleans, citizens wait an average of 355 days for a pothole to be filled.Our "Local Spotlight" series hits the road. We highlight the meaningful investigative journalism happening in your communities. For this installment, we head to Louisiana and talk about the recent series from the Times-Picayune called "Broken City: Inside New Orleans' Chronic Dysfunction." 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 called the largest IT outage in history. A simple security update took down over 8 million machines, affecting industries from airlines to broadcast news to hospitals.The buggy update came from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike and affected systems using Microsoft. Since that outage a couple of weeks ago, CrowdStrike and Microsoft have run their own investigations into what happened. But the federal government is also looking for answers. A House committee is calling on CrowdStrike's CEO to testify about what happened.And the Department of Transportation is launching an investigation into Delta, which experienced ongoing delays for days after the outage.We discuss how security update caused a global IT meltdown and how to prevent it from happening again.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

James Baldwin is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. He wrote novels, essays, short stories, poetry, and even a screenplay. He's best known for his affecting prose, his depth of thought, and his clear moral vision for the country.Some 40 years after his death, much of what he had to say about America continues to resonate.This week, Baldwin would have turned 100 years old. In a moment when Democracy is at risk, when wars abroad are being protested at home, when race continues to shape American politics, what can we learn from Baldwin about this moment that's not so different from his own?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 a week since Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly fell out of a coconut tree... and into her spot as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. President Biden's decision to bow out of the race, paired with swift and enthusiastic Harris endorsements from high-ranking Democrats has breathed new energy into the campaign. Another thing that's helping? The endless flood of memes that show the vice president dancing, clapping, giving a thorough Thanksgiving turkey recipe, and of course, laughing. But where did these memes come from?We discuss how meme are helping voters make sense of this moment in politics. 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

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House this week, explaining his decision to step down as the Democrats nominee for the 2024 presidential election.The Department of Justice is set to investigate why an Illinois sheriff's deputy killed a Black woman named Sonya Massey in her home, killing her via a fatal gunshot to the head.Amid his country's continuing campaign to devastate Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress this week, framing his military's actions as a desperate battle for survival.Meanwhile, Earth set two new heat records this week. Sunday and Monday saw the planet warm to its two highest temperatures on record since at least 1940.The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to kick off with their opening ceremony on Friday in Paris.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

The Paris Olympic games officially begin tomorrow. We've been covering the lead up to the summer games with our series "Rings and Things" and today we're wrapping up the series with a look at what's new.Breaking, or breakdancing, will make its Olympic debut in a couple weeks. Four American breakers qualified for the sport's first ever Olympic competition. Its inclusion comes as other youth-led sports return, including skateboarding, climbing, and surfing.Spectators can expect a number of other changes like the inclusion of kayak cross and kiteboarding.We discuss the new sports on the Olympic Block. 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

We've talked about Paris as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics. But now, it's time to talk about Paris as a place where many, many people live with a culture all its own.What's left to be said about the city of lights? It's the setting of great works of fiction, both on screen and on the page. It's played a pivotal role throughout Western history, serving as a hub for learning, commerce, diplomacy, and more. It's the ideal vacation destination for millions upon millions of people every year.It's also a place where some 2 million (11 million counting the greater metro area) people live, go to school, eat, play sports, and talk.We discuss the impact of the Olympics on Paris and share your memories of the city. 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 fashion capital of the world becomes the sporting capital of the world with the Summer Olympics kicking off in Paris, France.The world's best athletes will be outfitted in premiere designs which not only make them look good, but also help them compete at the highest levels possible. Name brand sponsors dress the Games and the players head to toe.Louis Vuitton designed special trunks to carry the medals. Rihanna's Fenty Beauty created a designated makeup look for volunteers. Even the underwear athletes wear is provided to them – by Kim Kardashian's company Skims. When Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky dives into the pool, she'll be wearing a suit from apparel brand TYR, with lab-tested technology to make her glide as smoothly as possible. We discuss how what athletes wear affects their performance. 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

Democrats are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris as their new frontrunner for the nomination.As her campaign takes shape, attention is turning to who she could choose as her running mate.But with less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, she'll have to make her decision quickly.We discuss who she might choose to join her ticket and how that choice could sway voters in key swing states. 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

The 2024 Summer Olympics are nearly here.The host city, Paris, will kick off the Games with an opening ceremony on Friday. A flotilla of boats will make its way down the city's river, the Seine.This is the first in a special 1A series we're bringing you this week about the Summer Olympics, called "Rings and Things."We'll take part of the show over the next four days to bring you the Olympics from a new angle. A different story embedded in this massive, international competition.We examine how Paris prepared and the challenges that could still remain for the city during the 16 days of competition. We also look at what sports and athletes you should keep an eye out for.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

President Joe Biden is no longer seeking re-election.Yesterday he announced the decision to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee in a letter posted to his social media platforms. President Biden wrote, "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of the term." He also said he would speak about it in greater detail later this week. Shortly after, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place. We discuss how the decision affects the Democrats' chances of victory in November.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

The U.S. Secret Service is under scrutiny following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania last weekend. The Republican National Convention wrapped up on Thursday in Milwaukee and featured a mix of calls for unity, doubling down on party lines, border security talk, and a slew of misinformation.Meanwhile, President Biden is both publicly and privately facing pressure from top Democrats to drop out of the race.On Tuesday reporting emerged from CNN that the Biden administration had informed the Secret Service of an unspecified threat to Trump from Iran before the July 13 campaign rally. And Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week, where he will meet with President Biden and address Congress. We cover all this and more during this week's 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

Sirens echoed this week across several states in the Midwest.According to the National Weather Service, a storm system made up of several thunderstorms – known as a derecho – developed over Iowa and swept through parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This year has seen almost a thousand tornadoes. The first of which was reported near Galveston, Texas, on January 5.We get into what happened with those twisters and what we know about their uptick in frequency. We discuss what role, if any, climate change plays in all this.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

As the price of four-year colleges balloon and the job market becomes increasingly unstable, a new batch of workers are going another route: technical school.Students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges increased 16 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.A technical college in Florida says almost all their programs are close to capacity. And in Maine, enrollment in career and technical schools passed 10,000 students statewide for the first time.We discuss what a technical education looks like today and how beneficial the path can be for students. 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

On this edition of Game Mode, we take a look at the games that are giving us a thrill so far in 2024. And we look at some games that have disappointed.What can the success or failure of this year's games tell us about the video game industry? The industry spans from tech companies like Microsoft, all the way down to solo developers. It's expected to be worth $189 billion this 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

Details are still emerging after the shooting at a Pennsylvania rally held by Donald Trump.The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt. The former president says he was injured shot in his right ear. One person was killed, and two other rally attendees were critically injured. We break down what we know about the shooting and the security failures that led to this weekend's events.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

Gary Janetti has built a solid following on Instagram, entertaining his one million followers with stories of travel, observations on life and...his ability to critique blueberries and annoying children like no other. His new book "We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay" is a collection of essays, reflecting on travel, adventure (misadventure) and love. Interspersed with recollections of his trips are personal meditations on dining alone, journeys to diverse destinations and the importance of kindness while being a visitor.Emmy nominated television writer, Gary Janetti joins us to talk about his new book. 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

Question marks continue to plague the candidacy of President Joe Biden. The GOP is reworking its platform ahead of the Republican National Convention, softening some of the more intense portions that have received media attention.Boeing is set to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges related to the crashes of two 737 Max jetliners that killed 346 people.NATO leaders gathered in Washington this week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the organization's founding. An Israeli Defense Force strike killed dozens of Palestinians in front of a school near Khan Younis.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? 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

One legal document has quietly reigned supreme in American board rooms, film sets, and sometimes even homes: non-disclosure agreements.But NDAs aren't just for employees anymore. More and more people around the country are using and signing these documents to protect personal, sensitive information.A new feature from New York Magazine explores how NDAs have become "the defining legal document of our time." We speak to the writer of that piece.What discuss what's fueling the move and its impact. 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

Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been hosted every summer on Coney Island since 1972. Competitors eat as many dogs as they can in 10 minutes, hoping to claim the "Mustard Belt" and a grand prize $10,000. According to Nathan's, nearly 40,000 spectators flocked to Coney Island to watch this year's contest. Nielsen reports its annual television viewership at nearly a million people. Competitive eaters train hard to be able to take part in these kinds of events.We discuss the science behind competitive eating and our fascination with watching these kinds of competitions.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

Romantasy is a popular literary genre that blends elements of fantasy and romance. It's also one of the fastest growing. Between 2022 and 2023, romantasy novel sales increased by 42 percent.What's driving this surge in fantastical romances? And what can they teach us about dreaming big, loving deeply, and not giving up hope even when the odds are stacked against us? 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

We're processing the landmark ruling the Supreme Court handed down on Monday, July 1, in Trump v. United States.The justices decided that presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for acts they carry out in their official capacity as leaders.So what does that ruling mean for the power of the Oval Office, our democracy, and the former president?We also spend some time talking about the math behind Joe Biden's decision making regarding his candidacy following a poor debate performance.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

The Library of Congress is famous for its collection of American cultural treasures.      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.   Every year, in partnership with the Library of Congress, 1A profiles some of the newest inductees into the National Recording Registry. Think of it as the country's audio "hall of fame." We profile some of this year's entries from notable artists, including Bill Withers, Blondie, Jefferson Airplane, Lily Tomlin, and Bobby McFerrin. 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

They have the ear of the most powerful person in the country. They pillow talk with the president. They are... the first ladies.As Americans celebrate with fireworks and talks of the Founding Fathers, it's the women behind these presidents that leave an often overlooked mark.Abigail Adams wrote a letter to future president John Adams to "remember the ladies" while drafting the Declaration of Independence. The country's first ladies play a significant and unique role – and it's always evolving. We talk about the role and some of America's most memorable first ladies. 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

Being healthy in America these days looks a little different than it did in years gone by.We sit down with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to talk about how he's tackling the job this time around. He also served as surgeon general under the Obama administration.Murthy has set a few priorities for this term, including addressing loneliness, youth mental health, and health disinformation. And last week he announced gun violence as a public health crisis.We discuss what we can expect from him and his office. 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

School's out and summer is in session. But for some, this season is anything but relaxing. That's because many colleges have shut their doors, for good. Since the onset of the pandemic, colleges have been shutting down rapidly, now at a rate of one every week.We discuss what happens to students and faculty when their college closes, and why so many of them finding it difficult to stay open.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

Going into the beginning of July, we take stock of the Supreme Court's recent term, including a rush of a dozen cases it released in the last week.The Supreme Court considered controversial topics this summer, including Donald Trump and presidential immunity, charges against Jan. 6 rioters, emergency abortion care, gun rights for people with a history of domestic violence, interactions between the government and social media companies, and the discretion that federal agencies can have in implementing laws.As part of our weekly politics series "If You Can Keep It," we hear from our legal experts about what the court's decisions mean for the country and for the stakes of this election.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

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump meet in Atlanta, Georgia for a memorable debate.The Supreme Court temporarily blocks the Environmental Protection Agency's "Good Neighbor Plan" and blocks the multibillion Purdue opioid settlement, finding it inappropriately protected the Sackler family. And the Court sides with the Biden Administration in a challenge to Idaho's strict abortion ban.Meanwhile, Bolivia foils a military coup attempt. Army General Juan José Zúñiga is arrested hours after he led troops and tanks to storm the presidential palace in the capital, La Paz.In Kenya, protests resume a day after President Ruto makes a dramatic U-turn and withdraws contentious tax hikes. And Israel warns it can send Lebanon "back to the Stone Age" as the United Nations humanitarian affairs chief warns a conflict would be "potentially apocalyptic."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? 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

Since the dawn of mankind, humans have been have been taking food to fire. After thousands of years — and probably tons of really awful woolly mammoth meat — we've learned to make grilling taste good. With summer here and summer holidays just around the corner, it's almost impossible to head outside and not catch a whiff of a grill somewhere. But the world of grilling has gone through a lot of innovation since our ancestors first held ingredients to the sacred fire. We're here to help you make sense of it all. For our latest installment of our "Ask A..." series, we're asking grillmasters all about their craft and answering your questions.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

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What are the consequences of America's unresolved history?That's the question raised by a new book by journalist and historian Nick Bryant, "The Forever War: America's Unending Conflict with Itself." The book maps a path from the founding of the United States to the current political state of the country, and argues that the political divisiveness we see today is a natural part of the country's story.Nick Bryant joins us to talk about the lessons we can learn from America's history, and what that history can tell us about the stakes of the election.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

Voter surveys show Americans list immigration and the southern border as a top concern in this election year.At the Southern border, encounters between law enforcement and people seeking entry reached their highest numbers on record last December.Trump has seized on the issue in the campaign and President Biden recently changed asylum rules for people arriving at the border.We discuss how U.S. immigration policy could change in the next four years when it comes to protected status, deportations, and more.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

America's top doctor weighs in and says social media should come with a health warning like a pack of cigarettes. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore is pardoning more than 175,000 convictions for marijuana. And baseball pays tribute to the "Say Hey Kid" the late, great Willie Mays.Meanwhile, Russia's President Putin and North Korea deepen, what western leaders have dubbed 'a dangerous bromance.' Israel raises the prospect of 'all-out war' with Hezbollah. The U.S. sends new military aid to Israel.In France, President Macron rolls the dice as the country prepares to vote in an election being watched far beyond its borders. 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 not often that we sit and think about feelings: what they are, where they come from, and why they're happening. We just feel them. Almost ten years ago, one movie gave voice to what may be an indescribable experience: discovering your feelings. That movie was Inside Out. This weekend, Inside Out 2 premiered in theaters. It follows 13-year-old Riley as a few new feelings are added to the mix as she enters her teen years: Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Anxiety. We talk to screenwriter Dave Holstein and experts about what it means to discover your feelings throughout your childhood – and your adulthood, too. 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

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Death is the greatest paradox of our lives. It's something we all experience, yet it's one of the hardest things to accept. This tension is at the heart of the new movie "Tuesday," from A24, which we're talking about for this month's movie club. In the film, Death is a literal bird who visits those about to pass away. The film was released in theaters earlier this month. It stars actor and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lola Petticrew, and Arinze Kene. We hear from Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and the film's director Daina O. Pusic about how the movie came to be and their biggest challenges working on it. 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

Project 2025 has been critiqued as a radically socially conservative and Christian nationalist proposal with the power to greatly disrupt the government.But what exactly does it aim to do? And what is the likelihood that it could go into effect?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

On Thursday, the Supreme Court declined to limit access to mifepristone – a medication commonly used in abortions and miscarriage care. The unanimous decision was on procedural grounds – not on the substance of the case.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his eighth visit to the Middle East since the start of the war in October. The U.S.-proposed ceasefire has gained global support but has not been fully embraced by either Israel or Hamas.Massive protests erupted on the streets of Buenos Aires as Argentina's Senate passes a bill advancing President Javier Milei's planned economic overhaul.France's right-wing party, the National Rally party, was one of many that made gains in European Union elections. And French President Emmanuel Macron dissolves the parliament and calls for snap elections that will take place on June 30 and July 7.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? 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

Ever since a 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized sports betting, the industry has exploded.Now, 38 states plus the District of Columbia allow sports gambling – and Americans are taking advantage. Over $20 billion worth of bets were placed during the Super Bowl this year.In 2023, Americans ponied up a record $113 billion. Apps like DraftKings and FanDuel make placing your bets in seconds easier than ever.But as these apps grow in popularity, so do concerns. The National Council on Problem Gambling, which operates a gambling helpline, says calls are on the rise and callers are skewing younger.We discuss the industry of online gambling and sports betting. 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

Everything's bigger in America. The portions, the cars, and now, our water bottles.Does it seem like everyone is carrying around a 30-ounce tumbler? The reusable water bottle industry is a multi-billion dollar business. But don't forget about plastics. The sales of single-use bottled water also continue to rise.We discuss how much of the hype around water is marketing versus science for the latest installment of In Good Health. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station an d 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

A migraine is the third most common illness in the world, affecting over 1 billion people.Women are especially susceptible to migraine attacks. Three times as many women experience migraine compared to men.Why do migraines affect women more? And what has this meant for how the condition is understood and treated by the medical community and beyond?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

Wisconsin follows Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Nevada in bringing charges against so-called fake electors.What do we know about the case in Wisconsin and how it compares to these other states?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, President Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that significantly restricts asylum at the U.S.- Mexico border.On Tuesday, Trump's lawyers asked the judge who oversaw the criminal trial in New York to lift the gag order placed on him. The order prevents Trump from attacking witnesses, the jury, and others involved in the case.Meanwhile in Gaza, an Israeli strike killed at least forty people when it hit a school-turned-shelter run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. Israel claimed that the school was being used as a Hamas compound, but did not provide evidence.This week, world leaders gathered in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.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

The Supreme Court is busy this summer.Before the term ends in July, the Court will decide whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal charges for actions taken while in office. It could upend over three hundred Jan. 6 prosecutions, including Trump's, in a case about obstruction.But the Supreme Court's public approval rating remains historically low. Justice Samuel Alito's refusal to recuse himself from the Jan. 6 proceeding despite the hanging of controversial flags outside his homes has only deepened the Court's crisis of confidence.We talk about all the Supreme Court cases to watch this summer and the Court's integrity. 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 a right guaranteed not once, but twice in our constitution – a trial by jury. And many of us are asked to serve on them, whether we want to or not.Whether jury duty is a responsibility you dread or relish, the trial of former President Trump in Manhattan put the spotlight on the jury selection process – one that happens every day in courthouses across the country.We speak with legal experts about the role juries play in our justice system – and the psychology of jury selection. We also hear from someone who's served on a jury for another high-profile case.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

The results for the biggest election in the world are now in. Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Hindu nationalist, won a landslide victory, but with a smaller margin than expected.Since April, India conducted a multi-phased a general election with 970 million eligible voters.What does his victory mean for this country of 1.4 billion people? We discuss what another five years of Modi leadership means for the groups that he and his party have targeted, like; Indian Muslims, journalists, and the main political opposition. 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 a big Monday. The first after the historic criminal conviction of Donald Trump.He's the first former or sitting president to be found guilty in a criminal trial. In his case – guilty not once, but on all 34 counts charged against him.We focus this hour on what the guilty verdict means for the GOP as well as talking about what's next for the case in the legal system. 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

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all counts in his criminal hush money trial.Israeli Defense Force missiles hit a camp of displaced Palestinians in Rafah on Sunday, igniting an inferno.And a look at election results in India and South Africa.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

For children of immigrants who are straddling two worlds, mental health can be a unique struggle. According to a 2020 study, children of immigrants had nearly double the rate of psychological distress than their immigrant parents. And this population is only growing, with one in four children in the U.S. currently being a child of immigrants.Therapy is bound by many Western ideas and rooted in whiteness. How to deal with the expectations, guilt, and dialogues of the bicultural experience can be a difficult road. That's where Sahaj Kaur Kohli comes in. She's the creator of Brown Girl Therapy, an online mental health space for children of immigrants and those in BIPOC communities. We discuss her experiences and what guidance and tools she gives to those navigating their bicultural identity.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

In 2004 Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage after the state's Supreme Court found that their Constitution could no longer exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage rights.That watershed decision from Goodridge vs. Department of Health paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights across the country, which eventually saw same-sex marriage federally legalized in 2015. Since then, more than 700,000 same-sex couples have married across the country.But what prompted the fight for same-sex marriage in the first place? And where does the fight for equal rights under the law stand today?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Between 1935 and 1939, thirty million Americans had the chance to see a play thanks to Federal Theater Project. Nearly a century later, the theater's place in American life is shrinking.Today, we look back on this one-of-kind federal project that believed in the power of theater, and we look forward to the role theater might play in upholding democracy even as the arts in America are being undermined.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

Action and adventure films are big business. Last year, they accounted for more than half of box office earnings. And what's a great action flick without some bad-ass stunts stunts. The car chases, the fight scenes, and epic super-hero showdowns are all thanks to Hollywood's most daring: stunt performers.For the latest in our "Ask A" Series, we're talking to the professionals behind the danger and excitement on set.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

The final chapter of former president Donald Trump's hush money case is imminent.The International Criminal Court is seeking to issue arrest warrants for several top Hamas leaders and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is criticizing his country's western allies.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

With CRISPR technology, scientists can edit pig genes to be more compatible with a human body, or at least that's the hope.But a future of endless kidneys bred from pigs is still far away. The experimental surgeries that allowed for a pig kidney transplant were covered under the FDA's compassionate use care and clinical studies have yet to be conducted.What is the state of kidney transplantation? And what might the future look like?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

Has someone ever asked you what "your story" is? For some, that question is a nightmare. Where do you begin? What parts are important? And are the parts you think are important, actually that crucial?Are you telling it the right way? One Hollywood art form bravely tries to do that, but about other well-known figures. That's the biopic. For this edition of the 1A Movie Club, we talk about the latest, "Back to Black." The movie tries its best to illustrate the story of Amy Winehouse. We discuss how well the biopic succeeds at telling the Winehouse's story. 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

We recently did a show about the cicada double brood emergence. Billions of them are above ground this year. And the conversation... took a bit of a turn... towards whether they can be eaten. (They can.)Some of you are certainly thinking you'd never eat a bug. But more than 2 billion people around the world eat insects as part of their standard diet.When we had that conversation, our host, Jenn White, would have described her enthusiasm to taste insects as... mild. But a lot changed since our conversation with our guests for the cicada show. Including her willingness to try eating ants and crickets. We discuss why so many of us are opposed to eating insects when it's been a staple for cultures for centuries. 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

At 1A, when it comes to election coverage, we focus on the stakes, not the chatter.And nothing could be more high-stakes than the country's ability to conduct elections safely and with integrity.Harassment and the threat of violence are causing a high attrition rate among the nation's election workforces. But there are still folks out there preparing to meet these threats, both physical and virtual.We discuss how election workers are being protected. 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

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed on terms this week to face off in two televised debates before the general election this November. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was left "speechless" this week after a coalition of airlines banded together to sue his department over new rules concerning junk fees and making it easier for customers to receive refunds.As Russia continues to make gains in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has canceled all his trips abroad. As paramilitary forces surrounded the Sudanese town of El Fasher, civil groups are warning that millions of people trapped in the city could be in danger. Dozens have been killed in fighting last weekend.Qatar's prime minister expressed concern over the state of peace talks between Israel and Hamas, saying that they were almost at a standstill.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

What do you remember about being in your twenties? Maybe it was the best time of your life. Maybe it brought challenges that you had to learn to overcome as you entered adulthood.And if you're in your twenties now, life probably looks a lot different for you than it did for your parents. Meg Jay is a psychologist and author. In her new book, "The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionary Remedy for an Uncertain Age," she explores the way our twenties set up the rest of our lives, and how the uncertainties that come with entering adulthood affect our brain.We sit down with her to talk about growing up, becoming an adult, and how our twenties stay with us all our lives.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

Over half of adults in America live with a chronic illness.Nearly 1 in 5 people who have heart disease or have had a cardiac arrest also have depression. And for people who have been diagnosed with cancer around 42 percent have experienced depression. Today, as part of our series "In Good Health," we talk about the intersection between chronic conditions like heart disease and our mental wellbeing. 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

What has red eyes, lives underground for years, and screeches all summer long? That would be cicadas. And they're here. And more are coming.For the first time in over two hundred years, billions of cicadas are digging their way up from underground in a rare biological occurrence. Scientists are calling it a double brood emergence because two cicada broods will be above ground at the same time. Depending on where you live, you might have already seen them flying around or their infamous exoskeletons skins.For this installment of Scientific Method, our series where we speak to experts about the latest in the science world, we're talking about cicadas. 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

Maryland is one of three states holding primaries tomorrow. It's also attracting outsized national attention because of the outsized amount of money being spent.Maryland's Senate race is the third most expensive nationwide behind California and Texas. That's thanks largely to the self-financed campaign of wealthy Democrat David Trone. He currently serves in the House.He's part of a wave of self-funded candidates nationwide. That rise coincides with the ever-surging cost of funding a campaign. Political ad spending in the 2024 election cycle is expected to exceed $16 billion.We discuss the cost of campaigns and how they're funded. 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

Billions of birds are making their way around the world right now as part of their annual spring migration.But climate change, habitat loss, and human infrastructure are making that journey harder for a lot of species.That's why conservation and government groups come together twice a year to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day – but maybe they also just want an excuse to talk about our feathered friends.Either way, we're happy to oblige.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

The Biden campaign is growing increasingly nervous over the growing trend of campus protests in support of Palestinians. Party strategists are predicting a torrid time at this summer's Democratic National Convention as President Biden comes under fire for his handling of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and recent incursion into Rafah.Meanwhile, the Israeli government ordered the removal of Al Jazeera from within its borders this week. Officials confiscated broadcast equipment from the network, and Israeli television stopped broadcasting the channel.Chinese President Xi Jinping has been making the rounds in Europe this week. He was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Xi also praised Hungary's "independent" foreign policy ahead of a meeting with the country's president, Viktor Orbán.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? 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

Jen Psaki wants everyone to work on their communication skills.She's the former press secretary for the Biden administration. She's out with a new book called "Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World."In it, she points to deteriorating communication skills as one source of our intractable political disagreements.We talk to Psaki about talking, politics, and talking politics.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

For the last 50 years, the government has classified Marijuana as a schedule one drug.Last Tuesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland did initiate the process to reclassify marijuana as a schedule three drug. Those substances are considered by the Drug Enforcement Agency to have moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.This recommendation does not make marijuana legal at the federal level. But for the first time, the government is acknowledging marijuana's potential medical benefits.We discuss what this move means for marijuana research, and drug policy more broadly.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

In less than two months, two whistleblowers who came forward about Boeing's unsafe production standards have died. Then on Tuesday, an emergency slide that fell off a plane mid-air was found near the residence of a lawyer who was already suing the company.While flying over Oregon, a piece of a Boeing 737 MAX came off mid-flight. There were no fatalities, but an audit by the Federal Aviation Administration found dozens of issues in the manufacturing process. This led to two senate panel hearings on Boeing's safety culture, where more whistleblowers came forward.So, how concerned should consumers be about airplane safety? What is being done to prevent further incidents? And can Boeing turn things around?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

Third parties and third-party candidates are not a new phenomenon in American politics. But this year, the stakes of their candidacies are especially high.The list of third-party candidates running this year includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, both of whom are running as Independents. Jill Stein returns to the campaign trail as a representative of the Green Party.What role do third parties play in elections? And how could they influence this year's presidential one—even if they don't win it?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

University administrations' responses to students staging protests in support of Palestinians have varied wildly from campus to campus across the country. The House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 in response to the protests. The bill attempts to codify a definition of antisemitism. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas this week to negotiate a deal for a ceasefire in its conflict with Israel. However, Hamas leaders don't want to accept the deals that have been offered as none guarantee an end to Israel's bombardment of Palestinian-occupied areas.And in Australia, President Anthony Albanese is taking a stand against domestic violence, describing the crime as a "national crisis."We cover the most important stories from around the world in the international hour of 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

Economist Emily Oster became a big name in pregnancy advice 10 years ago with her book "Expecting Better: Why The Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong – And What You Really Need To Know."Her latest book is called "The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During And After Complications." She co-wrote it with Maternal Fetal Medicine Dr. Nathan Fox.We talk about some of those complications and how patients can get better care from their doctors.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

For children across the country and the world, they're the centerpieces of weekend mornings, family holidays, and prized collections.We're talking about toys.The global toy industry is at a crossroads. How dolls, action figures, puzzles, skibidi toilets, and more find their way into the hands of kids is changing. The role that the internet and influencers play in getting kids excited about a franchise or specific toy is growing rapidly.But is the toy industry keeping up? Amid an uncertain economic climate worldwide, buyers for brick-and-mortar stores that sell toys are playing it safe and sticking with traditional offerings.We discuss what the toy industry is doing to keep up with the times. 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

Pro-Palestinian protests and encampments have sprung up on college campuses across the country.Hundreds of students and professors have been arrested. Calls for universities to end their ties to Israel and for the U.S. to negotiate a ceasefire are growing.We check in on the protests across the country and what they tell us about how equipped colleges and universities are to deal with student protests.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

Last Thursday, the Justices heard arguments in a case all about presidential immunity. At the heart of the case is whether former President Donald Trump is immune from charges related to conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The case is a first for the Supreme Court that could impact not only former president Trump but all future presidents, as stated by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.And the timing is just as significant as the outcome with the November election just six months away.We discuss the case and the impact the outcome could have. 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

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case concerning presidential immunity. Former President Donald Trump is claiming he should be shielded from prosecution over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.President Biden signed a bill this week that included a provision that would ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S. unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the company.Congress passed bipartisan legislation to provide military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.Meanwhile, Russia is not backing down in its invasion of Ukraine. Despite the siege of over two years.And Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in hot water after calling Muslims "infiltrators" during a campaign rally this week.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? 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 a right guaranteed not once, but twice in our constitution – a trial by jury. And many of us are asked to serve on them, whether we want to or not.Whether jury duty is a responsibility you dread or relish, the trial of former President Trump in Manhattan put the spotlight on the jury selection process – one that happens every day in courthouses across the country.We speak with legal experts about the role juries play in our justice system – and the psychology of jury selection. We also hear from someone who's served on a jury for another high-profile case.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

Nearly 67 million people use some form of the federal government's health insurance program, which is for those over 65 and younger people with some disabilities. But untangling the multiple different parts can be a headache.And then there's Medicare Advantage.Unlike traditional Medicare, which is through the government, Medicare Advantage is a privatized insurance plan. With the help of some star-studded commercials, it's become increasingly popular.But it's also become controversial. According to a 2023 study from the Brown University School of Public Health, nearly half of those who signed up for Medicare Advantage left their plans by the end of five years.We try to untangle Medicare, Medicare Advantage and answer your questions about health care as a senior.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

Taylor Swift dropped her latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," at midnight on Friday. Like she did with her previous album, "Midnights", she posted a surprise for fans a few hours later: 15 extra tracks on the album. That brings the total track listing to 31 songs.She's released four albums since 2020, plus four re-recorded albums. Her Eras Tour sold out stadiums across the U.S. last year, and it continues through 2024. The hold Taylor Swift has on much of our popular consciousness defies comparison with other current artists.We discuss Swift's new music and where it fits in her catalogue. 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

Here in the U.S., we can't have a people, a country, and a democracy – without, well: the Earth.Yes, the very large globe that we're sitting on right now. Many of you may be celebrating that today for Earth Day. Throughout this election season, we've asked you what's sending you to the ballot box. So far, your responses suggest that climate- is your third most dominant concern after "Trump" and "Democracy." For this installment of our weekly politics series, 'If You Can Keep It', we look at how each presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential election is talking about climate and energy policy. 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

As Donald Trump's trials continue over the course of the spring, Joe Biden is taking advantage of his rival's absence from the campaign trail. A Boeing whistleblower made headlines this week, telling the Senate that the aircraft manufacturer is "putting out defective airplanes."Meanwhile, Israel, with the help of the U.S., more or less successfully defended itself from a missile and drone attack launched by Iran after the former killed Iranian officials in an attack on an embassy in Syria.As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, The BBC has now confirmed that more than 50,000 Russian troops have died in the conflict.We cover the week's biggest headlines. 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

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, at least 70 percent of firearms found in crime scenes in Mexico can be traced back to the neighbors to the north.Some 250,000 people crossed the southern border into the U.S. in December of last year. The majority of those were people from Mexico.And survey data pulled by Reuters from the Kino Border Initiative, a large migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico, shows that violence, not economic factors, is forcing many families to leave Mexico.We discuss what work is being done to stop the flow of guns into Mexico. 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

Imagine you're at a dinner party and the conversation turns to the latest news. Everyone has a different opinion. People begin raising their voices.You notice the person beside you isn't talking, they're just watching. They turn to you and make a joke and you immediately relax. You hadn't even realized how tense you were. They then ask what you think about the news. When you respond, they're attentive. When they look at you, you feel seen. They ask you another question and another. Before you know it, an hour has passed, and the arguing has died down around you.Your dinner party partner is what journalist Charles Duhigg calls a supercommunicator. In his new book, "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection," by the same name, he explores what makes conversations work and how we can all be better at them.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

We've never been here before. A former president is being tried in criminal court while he's running for reelection.Donald Trump faces four separate indictments. And only one of them will go to trial before November. That's a case that got underway yesterday in a Manhattan courtroom with jury selection. Trump is charged with falsifying business documents ahead of the 2016 election to cover up payments he made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.We discuss what the treatment of a former president reveal about our legal system more broadly, and what sets the case in New York apart.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

Almost two years ago, The Supreme Court ruled in the Dobbs case, overturning Roe v. Wade and declaring that access to abortion is not protected in the United States Constitution.A lot has happened in the time since then. Nationwide, citizens are arguing in the courts, legislatures, and ballot boxes over whether abortion should be banned, and if so, under what circumstances.For this week's installment of our weekly politics series, "If You Can Keep It," we take a closer look at abortion and politics. 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

The Arizona Supreme Court handed down a landmark abortion ruling this week, invoking an 1864 law that forbids abortions except to save a mother's life, and punishes providers with prison time should they choose to facilitate the procedure.In other judicial news, an appeals court judge has rejected former President Donald Trump's effort to delay his hush money trial as he appeals a gag order.Also from the courts, the parents of a Michigan school shooter were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.In global news, Joe Biden has spoken out about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in his campaign against Hamas in Gaza.Biden also spent time this week with Japanese officials, promising a new era of strategic coordination this week alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.And after eight years of deadlock, the European Union passed a new asylum and migration pact.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

What do you remember about being in your twenties? Maybe it was the best time of your life. Maybe it brought challenges that you had to learn to overcome as you entered adulthood.And if you're in your twenties now, life probably looks a lot different for you than it did for your parents. Meg Jay is a psychologist and author. In her new book, "The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionary Remedy for an Uncertain Age," she explores the way our twenties set up the rest of our lives, and how the uncertainties that come with entering adulthood affect our brain.We sit down with her to talk about growing up, becoming an adult, and how our twenties stay with us all our lives.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

We're hitting the open road.There are an estimated 3.5 million freight drivers in the U.S., according to the American Trucking Association.But some of those big rigs could soon be going driverless. Automated 18-wheelers are already hauling freight in Dallas. What's being done to keep those of us sharing the road with these road-bots safe?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

Millions of people watched the NCAA women's basketball tournament over the past few weeks. The last three rounds of the tournament sold out and set viewership records, especially games involving the Iowa Hawkeyes and their star point guard, Caitlin Clark.On Sunday, Iowa faced off against the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in the most-watched basketball game on ESPN since 2019. South Carolina pulled ahead in the second half to win it all, 87-75.We talk about how the women's March Madness tournament got so big this year and the role Clark and other star players, like Angel Reese of LSU, played in turning out an unprecedented audience. What's next for women's basketball at the collegiate and professional levels after this year's burst of enthusiasm and viewership?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

With his several divorces, violent rhetoric, and long list of criminal charges, former President Donald Trump may not be your idea of a God-fearing Christian. But that hasn't stopped him from appealing to his Christian base.Roughly 8 out of 10 white Evangelicals supported Trump in the 2016 general presidential election. And a recent Pew Research survey found that among religious groups, white Evangelical Protestants had a more positive opinion of Trump than any other group, whereas the majority of Jewish Americans, Black protestants, and atheists all had an unfavorable opinion of Trump.Despite their outsized political power, the white Evangelical church is shrinking. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, about 14 percent of the population identifies as white and evangelical. That's compared 25 percent in the 1990s.Today, we focus on white Evangelical Christians and the effect they will have on the 2024 election.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

Former President Donald Trump posted the $175 million bond in his New York civil fraud judgement thanks to some help from a supporter. Democrat Tina Smith is pushing to repeal the 1873 Comstock Act because she says it could be "misused" by Supreme Court justices to try to ban abortion nationwide.And the women's March Madness tournament is doing numbers. Monday night's game between Iowa and LSU boasted an audience of 12.3 million people, a record for women's college basketball game.In global news, outrage is echoing through America and the world following an Israeli Defense Force attack on a convoy of World Central Kitchen workers providing aid to the people of Gaza. At least 7 workers died.NATO is putting together a $108 billion fund to help Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces repel a Russian invasion at the country's eastern border.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

The port of Baltimore, one of the nation's busiest, remains partially shut down, more than a week after a giant cargo ship collided with the Key Bridge.Last Tuesday, when the ship hit, eight construction workers were there that night making road repairs. Six workers were killed as a result of the collision.What concerns remain about safety in the port? What impact will this have on the economy, locally, nationally, and abroad?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 ain't Texas. It's 1A. And today, our record club is listening to some Beyoncé. Her new album, "Cowboy Carter," clocks in at 27 tracks and a little over an hour. The musical powerhouse plays a string of sounds rooted in country music. She even throws in her takes on some of the genre's classics. But Black artists have long pioneered the country genre. We break down the sounds Beyoncé explores in her latest project and how Black artists have long been excluded from the genre.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

If you're just now planning travel for next week's total solar eclipse, you may be a little behind.Hotels are booked up and campgrounds are sold out in and around towns in the eclipse's path of totality.Nearly 4 million people are expected to make the trip to the viewing zone which stretches from Maine to Texas.Local businesses are taking advantage of the extra foot traffic, from hosting watch parties to rolling out solar eclipse-themed menus. How are cities and local businesses preparing for the spending boom? And what should you do to prepare if you plan on traveling to see the solar event?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 about a week since NBC fired former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel just days after hiring her as a contributor.The network drew a ton of backlash for the decision after it aired an interview with McDaniel done by Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, in which McDaniel openly criticized the Republican party and reversed course on some claims she made in the years after the 2020 election.So why was she hired? And what does this politics-to-pundit pipeline say about the state of our democracy? We examine the role of television networks that the media plays in our elections and governance.We also take a look at the role social media plays in moderating what kind of political information makes its way to our screens.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

A container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore this week causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Now, officials have suspended the search for four missing construction workers who are presumed dead. The remains of two others were recovered.The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case that could affect Americans' access to the abortion pill mifepristone.In global news, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that "radical Islamists" were responsible for an attack on a concert venue in Moscow last Friday that killed at least 137 people and injured over 100 more. Hamas is calling for the cessation of aid delivery by air, saying that people in Gaza and other areas to which Palestinians have fled are putting themselves in danger trying to get to packages that have fallen in hazardous places.We cover the week's biggest headlines. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station an d 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

Everything is bigger in America. The portions, the cars, and now, our water bottles.Does it seem like everyone is carrying around a 30-ounce tumbler? The reusable water bottle industry is a multi-billion dollar business. But don't forget about plastics. The sales of single-use bottled water also continue to rise.We discuss how much of the hype around water is marketing versus science for the latest installment of In Good Health. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station an d 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

When it comes to explaining global politics and world events, few faces are more familiar to viewers than Fareed Zakaria's.He hosts CNN's international affairs show, "GPS," which debuted in 2008. He's also a best-selling author and columnist for The Washington Post.And now, he's gathered his insights covering and commenting on world events into a new book called "Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the present."He highlights revolutions past to help us understand the revolutionary moment we're living in.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

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shakira released her first new album in seven years, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran." The cross-genre, cross–culture singer's 12th album is expected to cover her most recent breakup and journey of self-discovery. She says that making the album was "an alchemical process" where "[her] tears transformed into diamonds." We dive into the musical world that Shakira has built, including a career that's spanned multiple continents, languages, cultures, and audiences. 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 in news, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has to come up with $454 million in under a week. The bond is part of a ruling handed down by a New York court that found that Trump, his son, and his organization conspired to inflate the value of their assets. Trump has indicated that he is unable to pay.In news that seems somewhat overdue, the EPA has moved to ban the most common form of asbestos, which causes cancer and kills tens of thousands of Americans a year. Meanwhile overseas, despite warnings from U.S. President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is renewing his vow to launch an attack on the city of Rafah, where many Palestinians fled for shelter from violence elsewhere in Gaza.In expected news, Russian President Vladimir Putin won reelection to his position in another sham election. And the U.S. is no longer one of the world's top-20 happiest countries according to the World Happiness Report, while Nordic countries, maintained their hold on the top spots.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

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? 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

Some 170 million Americans use the social video app TikTok, according to the company.And scrolling through it – you'll see everything from discussions about economics, and foreign policy to viral dance trends. Lawmakers are concerned that TikTok poses a national security threat because of who owns it – Beijing-based Bytedance.Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher sponsored a bipartisan bill that overwhelmingly passed the house in a 352-65 vote. It calls for TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company in six months, or face a ban in the US.President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law, but it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.We discuss the future of TikTok in the US. 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

What do LGBTQ+ youth in America need right now?The death of Nex Benedict was ruled as a suicide by a medical examiner in Oklahoma. Hundreds of anti-Trans legislation has been proposed and passed by state legislatures since 2021.According to a Washington Post analysis of FBI data, hate crimes at schools nationwide are on the rise. The steepest increases are in conservative states that have implemented bills restricting queer expression. We discuss what LGBTQ+ students need to feel supported in the current hostile environment. 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

A new congressional map drawn up in Alabama produced 19 candidates to choose from this primary season. That's something Alabama doesn't see often in its elections. Today we're bringing you a conversation we had earlier this month in Birmingham, Alabama. We were back as part of our Remaking America collaboration with six partner stations across the country, including WBHM. Remaking America looks at the state of our democracy, and trust in our government. We discuss the importance of competitive elections in a democracy, and how much power voters have. We hear part of that conversation that we taped a few days after Alabama voted in the Super Tuesday primaries.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

Let's take a moment to focus on the stakes of the 2024 election: for the people, for the country and for our democracy. New data analysis shows that Democratic support among Black, Latino and Asian American voters is the lowest it's been in over 60 years. That's according to polling data collected by Financial Times journalist John Burn-Murdoch. According to a recent Gallup poll, this decline has largely happened in the past few years.We discuss what losing a portion of important voting blocs means for Democrats and their political strategy. 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

After months of discussion about his advanced age, President Joe Biden leaned into the issue of his health and mental acuity in his first ad of the general election.A former Boeing whistleblower, John Barnett, was found dead this week of apparent self-inflicted wounds.His lawyers told CNN they saw no indication as to why Barnett would take his own life and were devastated at the news. Meanwhile in Haiti, Haiti's prime minister has announced his resignation amid rampant gang violence, a major jailbreak, and a state of emergency. And we get to the latest in Gaza, where aid from around the world is finally flowing in. The World Food Programme successfully delivered food for 25,000 people. We discuss all this and more during this episode of the Friday 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 a day at the races for 1A! The popularity of F1 in the US skyrocketed after Liberty Media bought Formula 1 in 2017. Netflix's Drive to Survive helped boost interest in the sport (for both new and old fans) during the height of the pandemic. Netflix's series has remained popular ever since and is now in its sixth season. But among all the glitz and glamor, F1 is not without controversies, which could make it a hard sell for American audiences. We discuss where F1 fits in America's racing scene, and what it'll take for the US to full embrace the sport. 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

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? 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

Imagine you're at a dinner party and the conversation turns to the latest news. Everyone has a different opinion. People begin raising their voices.You notice the person beside you isn't talking, they're just watching. They turn to you and make a joke and you immediately relax. You hadn't even realized how tense you were. They then ask what you think about the news. When you respond, they're attentive. When they look at you, you feel seen. They ask you another question and another. Before you know it, an hour has passed, and the arguing has died down around you.Your dinner party partner is what journalist Charles Duhigg calls a supercommunicator. In his new book, "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection," by the same name, he explores what makes conversations work and how we can all be better at them.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

Super Tuesday might be over, but election season is just ramping up.President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump held dueling campaign rallies in Georgia over the weekend.We continue our election series, "If You Can Keep It," and dig into some of the biggest political stories of the week. For this installment, we discuss the Georgia primary and check in with local election officials.The state's elections have a sordid history with one of the candidates almost certainly set to stand come November.We discuss what Georgia tell us about the general election and the state of our democracy more broadly. 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

Muslims around the world are fasting for Ramadan. The holy month began in Gaza with ceasefire talks at a standstill, hunger worsening across the territory, and no end in sight to the Israel-Hamas war.In the city of Rafah, war-weary Palestinians shopped at an open-air market to find whatever they could.More than 31,100 people have been killed in Gaza since the war started on Oct. 7. That latest tally is from Gaza's health ministry. More than two-thirds of Palestinians killed in ongoing air strikes from Israel are women and children.Where does the possibility of a ceasefire stand as Ramadan begins?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 that time of year again.Time for Hollywood's finest to sport their finest as they head to the Oscars to find out which movies will be honored with cinema's highest achievement.But how much does an Academy Award actually move the needle for the average movie goer? Does the bestowal of a statue put butts in seats in theaters? How much do you care about awards when you decide what to watch? We discuss the impact and potential benefit of awards in the age of streaming. 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

President Biden delivered his State of the Union address Thursday evening. It was fiery, but was it enough to convince voters that he deserves four more years?Super Tuesday saw 16 states and one American territory report their primary results this week. As expected, President Biden and former President Donald Trump won big, setting up a rematch for the presidency come this November.Meanwhile, authorities warn that famine in Gaza is imminent after Israeli attacks on aid trucks in areas where Palestinians have sought refuge.The U.S. says it will build a port on the Gaza coast to bring more aid to starving Palestinians. In his State of the Union, President Biden's message to the Israeli government last night was direct. Every month since June of 2023 has set some kind of record for high temperatures for that time of year. The surface of the world's oceans is at its hottest ever.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

A cyber attack on one of the biggest healthcare companies in the U.S. is disrupting pharmacies and hospitals throughout the country. The company attacked, Change Healthcare, is owned by UnitedHealth Group, the biggest processor of medical claims in the nation.The Department of Health and Human Services released a plan encouraging private health funding to the organizations hardest hit by the hack. We discuss the attack and other healthcare news, including; rising drug prices, the latest on reproductive rights, and discuss the end of the federal free at-home Covid test program. 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

Another Super Tuesday is in the books and the race to the White House is underway. Millions of Americans finished primary voting yesterday across 16 states and one US territory – solidifying some of the matchups we'll be watching come November.It's looking like a rematch – with former President Donald Trump taking on the incumbent president, Joe Biden.Nikki Haley may have won Vermont's delegates, but after numerous defeats elsewhere, she's decided to bow out of the presidential race.But what about other races on the ballot?We discuss the latest – who's up, who's down – and break down the results. Later on, we e take a look at voting at the state and local levels. 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

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. We discuss trust and why often it's 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? 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, we're broadcasting from one of the states holding their primary election today – Alabama.Votes are also being cast across the country. After some uncertainty, we now know Donald Trump is eligible to appear on the ballot in all the remaining contests.On Monday, all nine Supreme Court justices rejected a move by Colorado voters, who cited a provision of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, to bar the Republican frontrunner from appearing on the state's ballot.We work through what that means for the election this year – and any future attempt to disqualify the former president.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

According to an October poll, only around 30 percent of Americans trust the media to report on news fairly.It raises the question as we head into Super Tuesday and a long election year: How can the press responsibly cover the 2024 election?Some news organizations have already committed to working differently this year. The Arizona Mirror announced last week that it's ditching "junk food" election coverage.We discuss how media can best center voters and ignore the noise ahead of complex, and in many cases misleading, news cycles. 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

Have you ever wondered what would change if you could rewind your life and redo one small moment? Brian Klaas, a professor of Global Politics at University College London, explores this theme in a new book called "Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters." He argues that tiny, chance moments can change our individual lives, maybe even the course of history on a global scale. Klaas offers several examples of big events that could have gone down very differently had one small thing been slightly altered.The 1997 Zambian coup attempt in Southern Africa was prevented – almost literally, by a thread. The U.S. bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki and killed hundreds of thousands of people in 1945. Kyoto, originally considered for targetting, was spared because a U.S. official had vacationed there with his wife 19 years earlier and asked President Harry Truman to spare it.Klaas joins us to discuss why social scientists, and all of us, could benefit from acknowledging the world is chaotic and uncertain, and why in an interconnected world, everything we do matters.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

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he will retire from his position on Capitol Hill in November. The GOP leader leaves behind a legacy of partisan gamesmanship, fundraising advocacy, and thwarted oversight.Michigan sends a message. Could its primary shape US foreign policy between now and November?Meanwhile, in Russia, thousands showed up to pay their respects to Alexei Navalny – despite the risk of arrest. Gaza's Health Ministry says the number of people killed in the blockaded territory since October 7th has now surpassed 30,000. We cover all the biggest news from around the world. 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

"Ah, those were the good old days."Who hasn't thought something like this before? These feelings of warmth and longing can be about a time in our personal lives or about an era in history. The feeling is called nostalgia.Nostalgia is something we all experience, and according to psychologists, the past can help us make sense of the present and can even offer us tools for a more resilient future.We discuss nostalgia; it's complications and how we can learn to use it for good. 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

There was a chance that this week's Michigan primaries would be a pair of sleeper contests. A sitting president and a former president are running in both races. They've each already racked up wins in other states by large or overwhelming margins. But Michigan has proven a bit more lively than expected. The media spotlight has been fixed on the perpetual swing state due to the still active, if lopsided, Republican primary. And on the Democratic side, President Joe Biden swept another contest. But the details are what matter. There were concerns that a protest vote against the president would follow more than a month of real-life protests over his handling of Israel's war against Hamas.We discuss what happened during Michigan primaries and the impact voters who want to make sure Biden heard their discontent. 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

How has foreign policy changed since the presidency of Donald Trump?For decades, the U.S. aimed to create a more interconnected and globalized international landscape that would lift all boats, creating a more democratic world and a safer United States. But all of that changed in 2016. Donald Trump's presidency shook the very foundations of what the U.S. traditionally tried to achieve abroad. His administration pushed a populist agenda, strained alliances, and praised dictators.How is the Biden administration taking on the challenge of repairing international relations?We discuss that and the role that foreign policy will play in the upcoming presidential elections with Alexander Ward, a national security reporter for POLITICO and author of the new book "The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy After Trump."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

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?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

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. 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

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? 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 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. 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

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.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

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.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

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.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.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.Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.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.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.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.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.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/the1aLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.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. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy