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John B. King Jr. is the Chancellor of the State University of New York and a former Secretary of Education under President Obama. He shares insights from his new book, discussing the profound influence teachers have on shaping students' lives. King emphasizes the importance of compassionate teaching and how supportive educators create engaging learning environments. He also addresses the impact of funding disparities on educational opportunities and the necessity of mentorship. The conversation highlights how dedicated teachers can transform the futures of their students.

Jason Downing, the orchid biologist behind the Million Orchid Project, and horticulturist Felder Rushing share their expertise on Spring gardening. They discuss the beauty and care of orchids, the largest plant family with over 25,000 species. Learn about the significance of heirloom plants and how to optimize small spaces like balconies for gardening. Dive into techniques for urban gardening in South Florida and discover how these practices can inspire youth engagement in environmental conservation.

Join Mike Pierce, the Executive Director and co-founder of the Student Borrower Protection Center, and Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a national higher education reporter for The Washington Post. They dive into the resumption of federal student loan payments affecting over five million borrowers. The duo discusses the impact of looming collections, including potential garnishments of Social Security and tax refunds. They also tackle the complexities of repayment options, staffing shortages in support centers, and the broader implications of student debt on the economy.

In this discussion, Jonathan Cohn, a senior correspondent at The Bulwark, and Joan Alker, executive director at Georgetown's Center for Children and Families, delve into the contentious budget cuts proposed by Congress. They explore the implications of a potential $1.5 trillion reduction, particularly how it may affect Medicaid, which supports over 70 million Americans. Personal stories reveal the fears surrounding healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations. The hosts also dissect the intricate politics at play as Congress navigates its fiscal challenges.

Megan Scully, Congress Editor at Bloomberg News, Jeff Mason, White House correspondent for Reuters, and Anita Kumar, Head of standards and practices at Politico, dive into the tumultuous first 100 days of President Trump's administration. They discuss the impact of declining GDP and tariffs on U.S. businesses, revealing fears of a recession and consumer uncertainty. Legal controversies surrounding immigration cases grab attention, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza sheds light on global challenges. The conversation also touches on evolving trade dynamics and leadership shifts in American politics.

Diane Rehm, the former host of NPR's The Diane Rehm Show and current creator of the On My Mind podcast, reflects on her transformational nearly four-decade career in public radio. She shares her surprising entry into broadcasting sparked by a quirky on-air moment. Diane discusses her emotional farewell to her podcast and expresses the importance of trust in media through memorable interviews, including one with President Jimmy Carter. She candidly addresses the struggles of public media today and the personal growth that comes from challenges faced in the industry.

Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine expert, joins Maya Feller, a registered dietitian and nutrition founder. They dive into the staggering average of sugar intake among Americans, arguing the health risks attached to excess consumption. Kumar clarifies the myths surrounding natural versus added sugars, while Feller tackles consumer confusion over food labels. They discuss the alarming sugar consumption in children and emphasize the need for informed dietary choices amidst systemic challenges involving the sugar industry.

Ovik Roy, co-founder of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, shares insights on Republican strategy, while Tressie McMillan-Cottom, a UNC professor and New York Times columnist, brings an academic perspective. Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post and Reid Wilson from Pluribus News examine the implications of Trump's tariffs and the impact of policies on everyday Americans. The conversation reveals a deep division within American society, highlighting personal stories of those affected by political changes during Trump's first 100 days of his second term.

José Andrés is a Michelin-starred chef and the owner of 40 restaurants across the globe. But the culinary star is just as well known for his humanitarian work.His organization, World Central Kitchen, has fed millions in Gaza and Ukraine and during natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad.Now, he's releasing a memoir about what it's like to not only feed people when they want it, but when they need it. We talk to Andrés about his life, work, and his new book, "Change the Recipe."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 Donald Trump swore to tackle illegal immigration in his first moments in office. His administration says he's living up to his word, but his actions over the last 100 days have raised big questions about treatment of immigrants under U.S. law.This includes ramping up pressure on immigrants – those here legally and without legal status – to leave the United States of their own volition, or "self deport."For many immigrants, self-deporting means leaving the only country, culture, and community they have ever known. We sit down with one woman who made the grueling decision to leave the United States. We talk about current U.S. immigration 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