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Millions face significant healthcare cost increases as Obamacare subsidies are set to expire, leading to a political battle between Republican and Democratic proposals for extension or alternative solutions. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in a split decision, aiming to help the job market but risking persistent inflation, with future rate cuts uncertain. Finally, the Trump administration's seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker raises questions about economic pressure, international law, and military operations in the Caribbean, particularly after an admiral overseeing boat strikes steps down.
This episode delves into President Trump's insistence on a thriving economy despite voter skepticism, with a look at his rally messaging and the public's view on affordability. It also examines the Federal Reserve's divided stance on whether to cut interest rates, balancing inflation concerns against unemployment worries. Finally, it highlights the severe mental health struggles and feelings of abandonment among Afghan Zero Unit soldiers who worked with the CIA, as their immigration process faces new uncertainties.
This episode covers three major political stories: President Trump's efforts to counter negative polls on affordability by campaigning in Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court's likely decision to expand presidential power over independent federal agencies, and the contentious mid-cycle redistricting battle in Indiana, which could wipe out the state's last two Democratic congressional seats. The discussions highlight significant shifts in executive power, economic messaging, and electoral politics.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a landmark case that could significantly expand presidential authority by allowing the firing of independent agency heads, challenging a 90-year-old precedent. Meanwhile, Congress faces a deadline to extend pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies, with partisan divisions making a deal uncertain. Concurrently, President Zelensky is in London to rally European support against US pressure for Ukraine to make concessions in peace talks with Russia, highlighting growing tensions in transatlantic relations.
With increased immigration enforcement under President Trump, many families with undocumented members are living in fear of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Many are afraid to leave their homes and families are having to face the reality that they may be separated, detained and even deported. This week on The Sunday Story, NPR immigration correspondent Jasmine Garsd, reporting for the Code Switch podcast , takes us into the lives of the immigrant families who are facing immense pr...
A CDC advisory panel has voted to roll back Hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. If approved, it could reverse 30 years of gains in fighting the liver disease. We also look how Hollywood is responding Netflix purchasing Warner Bros. And we look at a series of economic indicators and how the Federal Reserve might respond to in their meeting next week. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences....
A Pentagon watchdog report and video of a deadly boat strike in the Caribbean deepen scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s actions. Federal agents arrested a Virginia man accused of planting the Jan. 6 pipe bombs after a years-long investigation that uncovered new forensic leads. And the Supreme Court cleared Texas to use a Republican-drawn congressional map that could shift multiple House seats and reshape the 2026 midterms. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of ...
President Trump leans into a familiar political strategy of attacking immigrant communities as he intensifies racist comments about Minnesota’s Somali population and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. A Pentagon watchdog report finds Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered U.S. troops by sharing classified strike plans over Signal, directly undercutting the White House’s claim that no harm was done. And a CDC advisory panel appointed by the Trump administration prepares to revisit long-standing vaccine...
A five-hour meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff ends without a breakthrough, as the Kremlin rejects key parts of the updated Ukraine peace plan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shifts his account of the U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat, saying he didn’t order the second, lethal attack as lawmakers press for answers. And a special House election in deep-red Tennessee district tightened far more than expected, offering both parties clues about voter energy heading into th...
A U.S. official contradicts the White House on Defense Secretary Hegseth's alleged order to kill survivors of a Caribbean boat strike, sparking a potential war crime investigation. Simultaneously, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss peace in Ukraine, amidst Putin's firm stance for victory and Ukraine's demand for long-term security guarantees. The podcast also reveals new insights into the National Guard shooting suspect, suggesting a mental health crisis over radicalization, and an NPR investigation uncovers a company illegally billing disabled veterans for disability claims.
This episode highlights NPR's shift to operating without federal funding, urging listener support on Giving Tuesday. It then delves into the White House's rapid tightening of legal immigration processes following a National Guard shooting. The episode also scrutinizes U.S. strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, with some lawmakers raising war crime concerns, and examines the latest Ukraine peace negotiations, impacted by a corruption scandal.
NPR's Pod Club newsletter helps listeners navigate the overwhelming world of podcasts by offering handpicked recommendations. Originating as an internal Slack channel, it focuses on personal connections and combating decision fatigue, providing curated suggestions from diverse genres. The episode highlights specific podcasts, fostering a community where human-selected gems are shared over algorithm-driven feeds.
This episode addresses urgent inspections for Airbus A320 jets globally, following a recent JetBlue plunge and software concerns, impacting holiday travel. It also covers the Trump administration's halt on Afghan asylum decisions, leaving thousands in limbo and sparking distress among vetted applicants. Finally, the segment offers expert advice on how to identify increasingly sophisticated AI-generated videos, highlighting the 'liar's dividend' and practical detection strategies for online content.
This episode covers the death of a National Guard member, leading to President Trump's call for a permanent suspension of immigration from certain countries and a re-examination of thousands of refugees. It also delves into the paradox of the holiday economy, where consumer confidence has dropped to a seven-month low due to high prices and political dysfunction, yet retail sales are expected to top $1 trillion for the first time, largely propelled by wealthier consumers and a focus on getting good deals amidst economic worries.
Two National Guard members are in critical condition after a targeted shooting near the White House, leading to President Trump's call for re-examining Afghan nationals' entry. A federal judge dismissed the last outstanding election interference case against Trump in Georgia, ending legal challenges to his 2020 election efforts. Additionally, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff faces scrutiny over his Moscow dealings amidst ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
Leaked transcripts of a call between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and an advisor of Russian President Vladimir Putin detail how President Trump’s 28-point peace proposal came about. The president dismisses the leak, saying it shows standard negotiating tactics. Trump, who once campaigned on ending the war within 24 hours, is now thought to care more about reaching a deal than what’s in it. And millions of Americans will take to the skies this week. The FAA says this year’s Thanksgiving could...
After the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, Utah Governor Spencer Cox called for civility. Steve Inskeep spoke to him at a meeting of the Western Governors' Association. The full video of our interview with the governor is on npr.org and on YouTube . This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Arezou Rezvani. It was produced by Taylor Haney and Julie Depenbrock. We got engineering support from Jimmy Keeley. Our executive producer is Jay Shaylor. Want more comprehensive analysis...
A federal judge dismissed the indictments President Trump ordered up against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge found the prosecutor in the case was improperly appointed. Europeans have offered their own proposal to end the war in Ukraine. How is it different from President Trump’s 28-point proposal? Also, the Trump administration named Venezuela’s president the leader of a terror group. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important ne...
NPR explores the revised US-Ukraine peace plan, detailing European concerns about its terms and the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The episode also analyzes Marjorie Taylor Greene's announced resignation from Congress, her public criticisms of President Trump and the Republican Party, and the implications for the MAGA movement's future. Additionally, it provides an update on the fragile Gaza ceasefire, including mutual accusations of violations, stalled peace phases, and an Israeli strike in Beirut escalating regional tensions.
Across the country, colleges and universities are struggling to figure out how to incorporate AI into the classroom. ChatGPT debuted almost exactly three years ago. And very quickly, students began to see its potential as a study buddy, an immense research tool and, for some, a way to cheat the system. This week on The Sunday Story we look at the rapid growth of AI in higher ed and consider what it means for the future of teaching and learning. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle...
Russia's long-standing requests are predominant in a peace deal for Ukraine brokered by American and Russian envoys. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., says she will resign her Congressional seat in January. Pill versions of the obesity drugs now requiring injections are on the way. BONUS: 2025's best plot-driven books. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...
The CDC quietly rewrites its vaccine guidance online to suggest shots might cause autism, raising new questions about political influence over public health. President Trump unveils a 28-point Ukraine peace plan that leans on territorial concessions Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. And New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heads to the White House for a meeting with a president who has labeled him a radical threat. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a li...
This episode explores the legal challenges facing the James Comey prosecution due to grand jury irregularities, and delves into the release of thousands of Jeffrey Epstein documents revealing his powerful associates. Additionally, it examines NVIDIA's astronomical earnings and market valuation, weighing the enthusiasm for AI against growing concerns of an economic bubble.
President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the Khashoggi murder while unveiling major military, nuclear, and investment agreements. Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill forcing the Justice Department to release Epstein files, a move Trump will sign despite earlier resistance. A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals Trump's lowest second-term approval, with voters prioritizing economic issues, giving Democrats a significant advantage for 2026.
Today's episode covers key political developments, starting with the House vote on releasing long-awaited Jeffrey Epstein files amidst calls for accountability and a presidential "U-turn." It then delves into growing rifts within the MAGA movement, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's public criticisms of President Trump's policies. Finally, the episode examines President Trump's White House meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, focusing on potential defense pacts, advanced technology deals, and the domestic and personal implications for both leaders.
This episode covers three major news stories. President Trump abruptly changed his stance on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files, now urging Republicans to support a vote he previously resisted, amid concerns about potential Justice Department investigations. Concurrently, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, targeting Venezuela's leadership while President Trump suggests talks with Nicolas Maduro. Finally, a new Border Patrol operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, has led to arrests and widespread fear in immigrant communities, prompting local official and community pushback.
NPR correspondents unpack the current Gaza ceasefire, revealing why progress on Trump's 20-point peace plan has stalled, despite initial agreements. They discuss the ongoing Israeli military presence, Hamas's stance on disarmament, and the grim reality for Palestinians amidst a lack of humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts. The episode highlights the deep complexities and long-term obstacles to achieving a lasting resolution in the region.
Congress returns to further negotiations on health care subsidies and an earlier-than-expected vote on the Epstein files. President Trump is threatening to sue the BBC over an edit of his speech on January 6, 2021. Russian attacks and a major new corruption probe are the latest developments from Kyiv. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...
The White House is calling the recent trove of Epstein documents a "distraction" as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers call for the full release of the Epstein files. In Charlotte, North Carolina, city leaders and residents are scrambling after last-minute notice that Border Patrol agents could arrive within days. And economists warn the government shutdown left lasting scars on the U.S. economy, from lost wages to missing federal data that may never be recovered. Want more comprehensive a...
Newly released emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s files include messages linking President Trump to the disgraced financier, as Congress prepares to vote on a bill forcing the release of the full Epstein records. After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ends with a bipartisan deal that leaves Democrats split over what they gained. And with health insurance subsidies still set to expire, millions of Americans could soon face higher premiums unless lawmakers act before year’s end....
