1A

Margaret Rinkle, a New York Times columnist and author, joins psychiatrist Pooja Lakshman, who focuses on self-care, and Sam Green, a trans justice organizer. They explore finding agency amid chaos, emphasizing the importance of community, mindfulness, and personal choice in turbulent times. The conversation highlights using music as a stress relief tool and the therapeutic power of nature. The guests also discuss the role of advocacy and collective efforts in promoting empowerment, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, grounding their insights in personal experiences.

Zahra Hirji, a climate reporter with Bloomberg News, and Zeland Hoover, a former senior advisor to the EPA, dive into the tumultuous state of U.S. environmental policy. They discuss the detrimental impact of budget cuts and staff reductions on the EPA and environmental justice efforts. The implications of the Trump administration's regulatory rollbacks are explored, particularly their effects on vulnerable populations. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of civic engagement in advocating for effective environmental protection.

Dina Temple-Raston, a savvy host and managing editor of Click Here, dives into the turbulent narrative of TikTok in the U.S. The conversation explores the national security fears linked to the app and the ongoing legal battles surrounding its parent company, ByteDance. Dina examines the cultural identity struggles faced by users, especially regarding the Uyghur crisis, and highlights youthful activism on the platform. She also discusses the implications of foreign ownership of social media and the complex future of data privacy in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, Josh Wingrove, White House reporter with Bloomberg News, and Alana Shore, Senior Washington editor at Semaphore, tackle critical political developments. They discuss the potential impeachment of a judge over immigration policies and the White House's controversial moves appealing federal worker rehiring decisions. The collapse of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire is examined, along with Trump and Putin's strategic talks on Ukraine, raising concerns on international stability and future political dynamics.

Elise Gold, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, and Julie Cashin, a senior fellow focusing on women's economic justice at the Century Foundation, highlight the staggering childcare costs now exceeding rent in 17 states. They discuss the burdens these expenses place on families, particularly on women's workforce participation, and the tough choices parents face. The conversation also addresses the impact of pandemic support, ongoing challenges in affordability, and the need for innovative policy solutions to ensure accessible childcare.

Rosalia Ballin, a UNICEF communications specialist, shares her firsthand insights into the heartbreaking aftermath of the broken ceasefire in Gaza. She highlights the devastating impact on children, describing their traumatic experiences amidst renewed airstrikes. Families face urgent humanitarian needs, with many children suffering from PTSD. Ballin emphasizes the dire living conditions and the critical need for mental health resources and aid in this escalating conflict. Her poignant account sheds light on the resilience of those affected and the urgency for international support.

Join reporter Lisa Rine from The Washington Post, professor R. Douglas Arnold from Princeton University, and Pamela Hurd from the University of Michigan as they dissect the future of Social Security under the Trump administration. They discuss the complex realities of the pay-as-you-go system and looming solvency issues. Hear insights on the administration's impact on the Social Security Administration's operations, challenges in service delivery, and the ethical dimensions of preserving this essential program for millions of Americans.

President Donald Trump has taken sweeping action to implement his agenda since beginning his second term.That includes the laying off of thousands of federal workers from the nation's largest employer — the federal government, moving to overhaul the student loan repayment system by limiting access to certain repayment plans, and placing 25 percent tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada — which he just as quickly suspended (though not before the stock market fell). All of this has created a sense of economic uncertainty. We discuss what you can do to secure your financial 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

Donald Trump has not been shy about his disdain for the press. In his second term, the president is turning those fiery feelings into action.Since assuming office, Trump has stepped up his litigious rampage against the media, suing ABC News, The Des Moines Register, CBS News, and pollster J. Ann Selzer. And at the Federal Communications Commission, Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr has promised to roll back regulations. In January, the FCC announced it would be investigating NPR and PBS over their underwriting practices.We discuss what these actions mean for press freedom, you, and the health of U.S. democracy.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

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