1A

President Donald Trump gave Vladimir Putin what the Russian leader wanted during their meeting in Alaska last week. Now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is back in the U.S. for more talks. His last visit to the White House was disastrous, to say the least. This time, he’s bringing key European leaders with him to meet with Trump.What does the future of the conflict in his country look like? And what’s changed for Trump since his meeting with Putin? Find more of our programs online. 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

President Donald Trump and his administration want control over exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution.In a letter sent Aug. 12, three White House officials told the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie G. Bunch III, that the administration would conduct a review at certain Smithsonian museums. The goal? To “celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”In this installment of our politics series, “If You Can Keep It,” we talk about how the administration is injecting itself into the affairs  – and the exhibits – of the Smithsonian Institution and what that means for our understanding of our shared history.Find more of our programs online. 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

President Donald Trump put the police force in Washington D.C. under federal control. He also called in the National Guard and ICE to patrol the streets. The Justice Department says last year violent crime in the District of Columbia hit a 30-year low.Cuts to the social safety net are set to leave some 2.4 million Americans without access to the food stamps they were entitled to before the passage of the spending bill earlier this year.And, in global news, Israel killed four journalists working for Al Jazeera in a targeted strike on the tent in which they were staying in Gaza. Also this week, Israeli soldiers shot 25 people seeking aid in Gaza as Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu claims he’ll “allow” Palestinians to leave during an upcoming offensive in the Strip.A sit down takes place this week between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that he will not exchange land for peace.Find more of our programs online. 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

Cleve R. Woodson, Jr. is a White House reporter for The Washington Post, Jeff Asher is a data analyst and former CIA officer, and Richard Brafotte is a law professor specializing in local governance. They discuss Trump's controversial takeover of D.C.'s police amid low crime rates and the implications for cities nationwide. The conversation highlights the friction between federal control and local autonomy, contrasting political rhetoric about crime with actual data, while exploring the complexities of federal authority in the nation's capital.

Mita Anand, Senior Program Director of Census and Data Equity at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Terri-Ann Lowenthal, Former Staff Director of the House Census Oversight Committee, delve into the contentious proposal to exclude noncitizens from the 2030 Census. They discuss the constitutional significance of the census and its role in equitable resource distribution. The implications of such changes could distort representation and impact communities, challenging the very foundations of democracy and inclusion in the U.S.

Jim Lovell, the legendary Apollo 13 commander and veteran of four NASA missions, shares gripping tales of survival and ingenuity in space. He recounts the hair-raising moments following the spacecraft explosion and the challenges his team faced as they turned the lunar module into a lifeboat. Lovell reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of re-entry and the sheer joy felt upon their safe return. His anecdotes blend humor with profound insights, illuminating both the mission's legacy and the future of lunar exploration.

Reed Wilson, founder of Pluribus News, joins Texas State Representative Ann Johnson and author David Daly for an insightful discussion on Texas redistricting. They explore the dramatic Democratic exodus to protest GOP map-drawing, raising critical questions about gerrymandering and voter representation. The podcast dives into the implications for the 2026 midterms, the need for electoral reform, and the fight over political power in a state where every vote counts. Expect intense political maneuvering and a call for fair representation!

Anita Kumar, Head of Standards and Practices at Politico; Amanda Becker, Washington correspondent for the 19th; and Alana Shorey, Senior Washington editor for Semaphore, dive into pressing political issues. They discuss the impact of President Trump's new tariffs, exploring how these affect everyday Americans and trade relations. The conversation shifts to the Gaza crisis and Israel's ambitious plans, as well as U.S.-Russian diplomatic tensions. The trio also touches on contentious redistricting in Texas and its implications for democracy.

Alison Morrow, a Senior writer for CNN Business, and Betsy Stevenson, a Professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan and former chief economist of the Labor Department, delve into the ramifications of recent firings in the Labor Statistics office. They discuss how these changes impact the credibility of labor data, highlight the troubling rise in Black unemployment rates, and analyze the current state of the U.S. economy, emphasizing the crucial need for independent and accurate economic indicators to inform policy and public trust.

Evan Neerman, founder of Red Banyan, along with crisis specialists Molly McPherson and Amanda Coleman, dive into the art of crisis communications. They discuss the stark difference between media portrayals and real-life challenges in managing scandals. The trio explores ethical dilemmas in crisis management, emphasizing transparency over deceit. They discuss navigating cancel culture and the importance of empathy in today's polarized environment. Listeners will also learn about reputation management strategies and the crucial role of authenticity in the digital age.