1A

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.

Ella Nilsson, CNN's senior climate reporter, dives into the whirlwind of recent firings and reinstatements at the National Nuclear Security Administration. She explains the chaos caused by abrupt personnel changes, emphasizing the risks to national security. The discussion highlights the crucial role of these employees in managing the U.S. nuclear stockpile, as well as the challenges in monitoring global nuclear threats, such as those arising from the situation in Ukraine. Nilsson also sheds light on the communication breakdowns that led to this administrative upheaval.

Board games are experiencing a thrilling revival, captivating players of all ages. Discover the fun in drawing games like Monstrosity, where players hilariously interpret monster cards. Dive into the evolution of board games, influenced by Euro designs and pandemic trends, emphasizing the emotional connections made during play. Explore the world of social games that prioritize creativity and engagement. Learn how board games and video games influence each other, enriching the gaming experience for all. Perfect for newcomers, local libraries are great places to start!

Will Stansel, a civil rights attorney and policy researcher, dives into the Democratic Party's current challenges and future outlook. He discusses a Pew Research survey revealing widespread pessimism among Democrats. Stansel emphasizes the need for the party to communicate its successes effectively and connect with voters on issues like housing and wealth distribution. The conversation also critiques the Democrats' reliance on polling over authentic connections, highlighting the urgency for a more engaging and empathetic political strategy to combat rising disillusionment.

Joan Casey, an expert in environmental health, teams up with Marianthi Anna Kiamor-Joglu, who studies air pollution's link to neurological diseases, and pediatrician Deborah Hendrickson, focusing on climate's impact on children's health. They dissect the dangers of wildfire smoke, discussing its toxic particles and their contribution to systemic health issues. The conversation highlights the urgent need for enhanced research and regulations, especially regarding vulnerable populations like children, and emphasizes collaborative strategies in managing this growing crisis.

In this discussion, guests Andrew Rudalevich, a Bowdoin College government professor, Christina Rodriguez, a Yale law expert, and Julia Azari, a Marquette political scientist, dive into the intricate world of executive orders. They explore how these powerful tools shape policies, especially in immigration and federal programs. The trio highlights the shifting balance of power between the presidency and Congress, the legal frameworks surrounding orders, and the role of civic engagement in holding leaders accountable amidst escalating political dynamics.

Arthur Delaney, a senior reporter at HuffPost, joins Amanda Becker from the 19th and Naftali Ben-David from the Washington Post to discuss major political shifts, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s narrow confirmation as Secretary for Health and Human Services amid vaccine skepticism. Nancy Youssef and Emily Tamkin weigh in on international relations, focusing on Trump’s calls with Putin and Zelenskyy, while Leila Milana-ana Allen highlights strains on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The episode wraps up with insights on U.S. foreign policy and domestic governance challenges.

In this discussion, White House correspondent Erica L. Green sheds light on President Trump's recent executive orders dismantling DEI programs, labeling them as 'illegal.' Hassan Jeffries, a history professor, explores the historical context of civil rights and the impact of such policy changes. Law professor Alatunde Johnson dives into the legal ramifications and challenges facing civil rights protections. Together, they highlight the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both public and private sectors, questioning the future of these initiatives amid political pressures.