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Congress's recent move to cut federal funding for public media raises alarming concerns. The discussion highlights how this could devastate local journalism, particularly in rural areas. Advocates stress the critical role of public media in building trust and connection within communities. The urgency for community support to keep these services alive is emphasized, igniting a call to action for listeners to contribute to preserving this vital resource.

Aporva Mandavilli is a science and global health reporter at The New York Times, while Rachel Bender Ignacio is a physician and researcher at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center. They discuss the precarious future of PEPFAR funding and the urgent implications of potential budget cuts on global HIV treatment efforts. The conversation also highlights recent advancements in HIV research, including promising vaccines and prevention tools. Key challenges in sustaining funding for research and maintaining health equity are emphasized, alongside cultural shifts in HIV awareness.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Brian Blaze, former health policy advisor to Trump and founder of Paragon Health Institute, and Kim Bemstaffer, Executive Director of Colorado's Medicaid program, delve into the ramifications of proposed Medicaid cuts. They discuss potential insurance losses for millions, the threats to rural hospitals, and the complexities of legislative efforts. The conversation highlights personal stories from impacted families and explores how these policy changes could reshape healthcare access across the U.S.

Idris Ali, a national security correspondent for Reuters, sheds light on Donald Trump's frustrations regarding stalled peace negotiations in Ukraine. Trump threatens new tariffs and sanctions if a deal isn't reached soon. The discussion delves into the complexities of U.S. arms support for Ukraine through NATO, balancing public opinion with geopolitical realities. Ali also highlights the challenges of negotiating peace amidst ongoing warfare and the contrasting strategies of Ukraine and Russia as the conflict continues to unfold.

Glenn Nye, former Democratic representative and current CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, teams up with Lauren Harper, a leading advocate for press freedoms at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. They dive into the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S., discussing the evolution of American identity and key innovations in science and democracy. The conversation addresses the challenges of government transparency and citizen advocacy, highlighting urgent reforms needed to safeguard democracy as the nation celebrates its rich history.

This week’s discussion features Josh Wingrove from Bloomberg News, Taylor Poplarz from Spectrum News, and other esteemed guests. They tackle the aftermath of deadly flooding in Texas and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness. Attention shifts to President Trump's controversial trade policies and his recent Nobel Peace Prize nomination by Netanyahu. Additionally, they delve into the Pentagon’s reversal on arms shipments to Ukraine and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy amid global tensions.

Join J.L. Holtzman, Senior Reporter at Heatmap News; Robbie Orvis, Senior Director at Energy Innovation; and Katie Fehrenbacher, Climate Tech Reporter for Axios Pro, as they navigate the complexities of the recent climate legislation. They discuss how new laws impact electricity costs, particularly in Texas, and the potential repercussions for solar and wind projects. The experts highlight the urgent need for renewable energy resources amid rising energy consumption and examine the balance between innovation and legislative challenges in the green economy.

Sam Block, a journalist and author of 'Shade, the Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource', joins V. Kelly Turner, an urban planning expert at UCLA, to discuss the escalating threat of extreme heat. They explore how shade can be a vital resource in combating rising temperatures, especially for vulnerable urban populations. The conversation highlights the importance of urban planning that integrates green spaces, addressing inequalities in access to shade, and the need for tailored heat action plans to protect marginalized communities.

Sarah Spivey, a Meteorologist at KSAT News, discusses the devastating effects of a 100-year flood in Central Texas, which has tragically claimed nearly 90 lives. She highlights the heroic rescue efforts amidst ongoing threats of heavy rain. The conversation also dives into the region's unique geographical challenges and shortcomings in flood warning systems. Spivey emphasizes the need for improved alerts and infrastructure to protect communities, while addressing the crucial role of meteorologists during such extreme weather events.

In this discussion, Jessica Glenza, a Senior health reporter at The Guardian, highlights the significant implications of a major tax and spending bill, focusing on its drastic cuts to Medicaid. She explains how these cuts threaten the healthcare access of 11.8 million Americans, particularly in rural areas like Kentucky. Glenza also addresses the critical role Medicaid plays for vulnerable populations and the potential strain on rural healthcare systems. The conversation sheds light on the unpredictable future of healthcare in these communities as they brace for economic challenges.