1A

Eva McKend, a national politics reporter for CNN, discusses the fallout from a controversial email sent to federal workers that suggested resignation if they did not respond. Arthur Delaney, senior reporter at HuffPost, analyzes the chaotic dynamics of a narrowly passed budget bill amid intense Republican divisions. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt weighs in on federal employee accountability and the implications of a recent government misspending report. Additionally, they explore international tensions regarding Ukraine's ongoing conflict and the complex ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Caitlin Jetolina, an epidemiologist and data scientist, delves into the recent measles outbreak in West Texas, marking the first U.S. measles death since 2015. She discusses the alarming rise in cases, particularly among unvaccinated children, and highlights the serious complications of measles, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Jetolina emphasizes the vital importance of vaccination, especially the MMR vaccine, in protecting vulnerable populations and addresses the challenges posed by growing anti-vaccination sentiments.

Slava Leontyev, a Ukrainian artist and former Special Forces member, along with Brendan Belomo, co-director of the documentary 'Porcelain War,' share their poignant journey of survival and creativity amid the war in Ukraine. They discuss how art becomes a vital tool for resistance against Russian aggression. Their film intertwines personal stories and artistic expression, revealing profound resilience in preserving Ukrainian culture and identity. The duo emphasizes the emotional weight of their work, providing hope and empathy amidst chaos.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at the New York Times, dives into the alarming spread of bird flu, specifically its transmission to dairy cows. The podcast discusses unexpected symptoms in cows, including curdled milk, and the rising human health risks. Mandavilli highlights inequities in farm worker testing and the complex global responses to avian influenza. Vaccination policy challenges are also examined, emphasizing the urgent need for better biosecurity measures and awareness of this evolving health threat.

Coleman Domingo, an award-winning actor and playwright known for his complex portrayals, joins John Devine G. Whitfield, founder of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. They discuss the innovative theater program at Sing Sing, which helps incarcerated individuals find healing through storytelling. The duo shares insights on their film 'Sing Sing,' exploring how the arts can catalyze personal transformation and emotional healing. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of creating impactful art in prison, highlighting empathy and collaboration as keys to rehabilitation.

Anastasia Lepatina is a Ukrainian journalist at Lawfare, while David Rennie is the geopolitics editor at The Economist, and Edward Fishman teaches at Columbia University. They discuss the shifting nature of U.S.-Ukraine relations amid changing political winds, particularly under Trump. The impact of sanctions on Russia's economy is dissected, as well as Ukraine's urgent quest for security. The episode also critiques recent diplomatic meetings that excluded Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Ukrainian sovereignty and unity against ongoing threats.

Mark Platt, an Academy Award-nominated producer of both the 'Wicked' movie and the original Broadway production, shares invaluable insights into the cinematic transition of this beloved tale. Ruthie Fearberg, Executive Editor of Broadway News, delves into the musical's box office success and the themes of friendship and identity. They discuss the challenges of adapting stage magic to film, innovative character development, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming 'Wicked: Part 2'. The conversation is a thrilling exploration of storytelling in musical adaptations.

Stephen Levitsky, a Harvard government professor and senior fellow for democracy, dives into the alarming dynamics of competitive authoritarianism in the U.S. He discusses the Trump administration's erosion of democratic norms, such as pardoning January 6th rioters and threats to civil liberties. The conversation highlights how political polarization undermines democracy, the role of political parties in this shift, and the importance of civic engagement. Levitsky urges vigilance against authoritarian tendencies while drawing parallels to historical precedents.

Join Taylor Popolars, Jeff Mason, Zoe Clark, Indira Lakshmanan, Jack Datch, and Elizabeth Hakedorn as they dissect the latest political upheavals in the Trump administration. They cover the fallout from federal layoffs and the urgent need to rehire essential workers. The group discusses the implications of international relations as European leaders convene in Paris. They also explore ongoing tensions over a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the complex landscape of global diplomacy and security.

Join John Horn, 1A's entertainment correspondent, alongside Lex McMiniman from Teen Vogue and critic Matt Zoller-Seitz from Vulture, as they celebrate the legacy of filmmaker David Lynch. They delve into Lynch's iconic films like 'Blue Velvet' and 'Mulholland Drive,' exploring his unique storytelling and cultural impact. Discussions highlight the surreal narratives of 'Eraserhead,' the enduring influence of 'Twin Peaks,' and Lynch's intricate visions of Los Angeles, offering insights into his artistic genius and the themes of fear and identity woven throughout his work.