Congressional Democrats were split over whether to support the bill that would avert a government shutdown. In the end Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted for the bill.A federal judge ordered several federal agencies to rehire tens of thousands of probationary employees who were fired. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff discussed Washington's ceasefire proposal to end the war in Ukraine with Moscow officials. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was "in favor" and agreed in principle to the plan but has some conditions.The government of Syria's Mohammad Al Sharaa announced a partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S. backed Kurdish rebel group. The move could be key in Syria's rebuilding.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 taking office, Donald Trump has made transforming federal policy on cryptocurrency a priority for his administration.The Securities and Exchange Commission dropped lawsuits against two of the biggest crypto companies in the U.S. and dismissed investigations into others.Last week, Trump announced the creation of a reserve of Bitcoin and other digital currencies — an estimated $17 million stockpile made up of Bitcoin that the U.S. has seized in legal cases over the years. It's a far cry from his previous statements about crypto. In 2021, Trump called crypto a scam and "potentially a disaster waiting to happen." We discuss what's changed and the President's personal investments in the crypto industry. 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'll know when you're watching a Julio Torres project. The comedian, filmmaker, and comedy writer's work is surreal, aesthetic, and delightfully absurd. His most recent works include "Problemista," a film about a young man looking for work in New York City. And it has something to say about the nightmarish aspects of the American visa system. "Fantasmas," a six-part HBO series, finds Torres in search of a lost golden oyster earing, navigating through otherworldly vignettes. His "Saturday Night Live" skits like "Papyrus" draw attention to absurdity in the smaller parts of life most of us overlook. We talk to Torres about his work and his artistic style. 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

About 55 million people in the world have dementia. That's according to the World Health Organization. It's also the seventh leading cause of death among the global population. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. It makes up 60 to 70 percent of cases. But it's well behind other chronic illnesses on the journey to an effective treatment.The reason may be attributed to years of research based on doctored images. Investigative reporter Charles Piller uncovered that and much more about the world of Alzheimer's research in his new book, "Doctored."We talk to Piller about this Alzheimer's, faulty research, and the search for an effective cure.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

Our neighbors to the north have a new leader. On Sunday, the Liberal Party of Canada held a leadership election to replace its outgoing party leader and prime minister, Justin Trudeau. Its members chose Mark Carney, a former bank governor who has never held elected office. The change in leadership comes in the wake of the United States launching a trade war against Canada. We discuss how the country's next prime minister might navigate such frosty relations. 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

Much of the first two months of the Trump administration come down to two things: refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress and the decimation of the federal workforce, both which are being challenged in court.Trump and his team have also let rules about the supervision of U.S. companies fall by the wayside.What changes has the Trump administration made when it comes to anti-corruption measures, financial disclosures, and the agencies that supervise corporate America? What does it mean for politics, the rule of law, and your wallet?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 engaging discussion, Megan Scully from Bloomberg News and Amanda Becker from the 19th share insights on the ramifications of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Taylor Popplars, reporting from the White House, highlights the tension between U.S. and Ukraine relations amid ongoing conflict, while Felicia Schwartz and Jack Detch delve into the complexities of international aid and military support. Nancy Youssef discusses the political dynamics impacting U.S. foreign affairs, making for a captivating analysis of current events.

What is the centerpiece of your home?Maybe a couch, but it's more likely a table. That's where we gather for our meals and recap our days. And that table is likely made of wood – oak, mahogany, maple, or perhaps pine. If it's built to last, wood provides the sturdy material for our most crucial furniture and it can last generations. But a masterfully-built piece of furniture requires a master builder. That's where our guest comes in.Callum Robinson is a woodworker, furniture maker, and the author of the new book "Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman." He sits down with us to to talk decor, woodworking, 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

Nnedi Okorafor, an award-winning author known for her African futurist works, discusses her latest novel, 'Death of the Author,' which intertwines fiction with personal narrative. She explores the impact of AI on storytelling and how it affects who controls a story. The conversation delves into themes of cultural identity, the emotional craft of writing, and the transformative nature of storytelling. Okorafor also reflects on broader concepts of success and personal fulfillment beyond accolades.

Unless you're a physicist, you've probably only encountered quantum mechanics on TV.And even when it was explained, you might've still been a little confused.The field of quantum mechanics was created a century ago. Today, scientists are using it to create methods of communication that can't be hacked, higher quality digital images, and to develop medications.But many of us don't even understand what quantum mechanics is — or how it's deepening our understanding of the universe.For today's installment of our series, "The Scientific Method," we answer your quantum-related 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