Join Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, as he navigates the complexities of the Gaza ceasefire and the challenges looming ahead for durable peace. Rachel Dobbs examines the detrimental effects of Trump-era budget cuts on American scientific institutions and their broader implications. Meanwhile, Ana Lankes discusses the powerful documentary "I'm Still Here," shedding light on Brazil's historical accountability issues stemming from its military dictatorship. The conversation intertwines politics, science, and cultural reckoning.
The Trump administration's significant funding cuts to scientific institutions threaten America's research capabilities and could lead to a brain drain.
The film 'I'm Still Here' is sparking vital discussions in Brazil about accountability for past human rights abuses under military dictatorship.
Deep dives
Boost Mobile's Risk-Free Switch
Boost Mobile is offering a compelling 30-day money-back guarantee to encourage users to switch from competitors like Verizon or T-Mobile, highlighting the absence of risks involved in making the change. This promotional strategy emphasizes that consumers have nothing to lose, rather than just encouraging brand loyalty. The discussion about why individuals may hesitate to switch, even in the face of such guarantees, touches on psychological factors surrounding consumer behavior and service expectations. By directly confronting potential objections with humor and a playful tone, the offer seeks to change consumers' perspectives on mobile service providers.
Impact of Federal Workforce Cuts on Science
The ongoing effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce under the Trump administration is resulting in significant cuts to America's scientific institutions, which could have long-term repercussions for research and innovation. Certain agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation are bracing for potential budget cuts of up to 50%, which many experts caution will hamper scientific progress. The situation has prompted concerns that a diminished workforce will lead to a brain drain, pushing scientific talent abroad and undermining the U.S.'s historical leadership in global research output. In addition to budget cuts, these changes are seen as targeting specific areas of research tied to diversity and inclusion, raising alarms about the future of scientific inquiry in the country.
Reckoning with Brazil's Past Through Film
The film 'I'm Still Here' is prompting a crucial national conversation about Brazil's military dictatorship and how its legacy has been inadequately addressed compared to other Latin American countries. Its commercial success and critical acclaim, including several Oscar nominations, underscore the emotional impact it has on audiences by shedding light on the history of disappearances during the regime. As Brazilians react to the film, they are beginning to challenge the long-standing amnesty laws that have prevented accountability for human rights abuses, reflecting a growing desire for a reckoning with their past. This cultural shift indicates that the film is not only a portrayal of history but also a catalyst for future discussions about justice and memory in contemporary Brazil.
The first phase of Gaza’s ceasefire is near its end, but planning for the even more fraught second phase has hardly begun. What chance for near-term peace? We examine the harmful outcomes from the Trump administration’s slashing funding for America’s science institutions (9:45). And “I’m Still Here”, an Oscar-tipped film, confronts Brazilians with a dark past many had chosen to forget (18:35).