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Listening to the news can feel like a journey. But 1A guides you beyond the headlines – and cuts through the noise. Let's get to the heart of the story, together – on 1A.Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with 1A+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/the1a
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 31min
Defining Personhood, The Next Phase In The Fight For Reproductive Rights
It's been three years since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.The abortion access landscape has changed dramatically in that time. The procedure has been banned in 12 states with limited exceptions. Four states have banned abortion after six weeks. Now, several states are weighing bills that would treat abortion as homicide. But what comes next? What if getting Roe v. Wade struck down wasn't actually the real goal of the anti-abortion movement? What if it were something that would instead fundamentally change our understanding of constitutional rights in this country?That's what legal scholar Mary Zeigler argues in her new book, "Personhood: The New Civil War over Reproduction," which comes out tomorrow. We sit down with her to talk about it.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

Apr 24, 2025 • 12min
ICYMI: State Department Cuts, Ukraine And American Diplomacy
The White House has issued an ultimatum on the war in Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the U.S. would walk away from the peace process unless Ukraine and Russia accepted America's terms – terms which heavily favor Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the deal which calls for Ukraine to cede its territory currently occupied by Russia. Thursday morning, Russia launched its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in months.Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this week he's overhauling his agency – saying it will lose 15 percent of its personnel and 132 offices.We discuss what that could mean for Ukraine and the future of American Diplomacy.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

Apr 23, 2025 • 32min
How Did This Get Here: Your Wardrobe
Matt Priest, President and CEO of the Footwear Retailers and Distributors of America, and Denise Green, Associate Professor of Human-Centered Design at Cornell University, delve into the intricate world of clothing manufacturing. They discuss how 97% of apparel in the U.S. is imported, mostly from Asian countries. The conversation explores the complexities of supply chains, the impact of tariffs on pricing, and the importance of sustainability. They also highlight the challenges of reviving local textile manufacturing and the environmental concerns tied to fast fashion.

Apr 22, 2025 • 37min
Earth Day: Working Together To Protect The Environment
The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. 55 years later, we know a lot more about the harmful effect human civilization has on our natural environment. But the desire to find solutions – big and small – continues. We asked you about your contributions to helping the environment around you. Many of you told us of local solutions to this global challenge. Those types of stories are the focus of The New York Times series "50 States, 50 Fixes." The series highlights environmental solutions with real results in every state.We discuss grassroot projects and the history of Earth Day with the reportes behind the series. 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

Apr 22, 2025 • 11min
ICYMI: Pete Hegseth Allegedly Texted Battle Plans In A Second Signal Chat
In this conversation, Jack Detch, a defense reporter at Politico, sheds light on the controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of a second Signal chat for military communications. They discuss the implications of leaked sensitive information, particularly about U.S. operations against the Houthis in Yemen. The dialogue also touches on the Pentagon's internal turmoil, ongoing leadership challenges, and the evolving dynamics in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. The political fallout from these issues continues to mount.

Apr 21, 2025 • 36min
'If You Can Keep It': Trump's Deportations And El Salvador
Jose Olivares, an investigative journalist, Grace Carney, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, and Christina Rodriguez, a Yale law professor, delve into the legal complexities surrounding Trump's deportation policies. They explore the controversial collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador under President Bukele, who accepts deportees, often unlawfully. The guests discuss the Supreme Court's recent rulings halting deportations, the implications of Bukele's governance on civil rights, and the personal stories of those caught in the crossfire of these policies.

19 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
The News Roundup For April 18, 2025
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is the big name in the news this week as he remains imprisoned in El Salvador. A U.S. District judge chastised the Department of Justice for not following her order to facilitate his release. Meanwhile, America's top diplomat says time is running out for US-led talks to find a path of peace in Ukraine.Those remarks from Paris follow Russian airstrikes that killed dozens and injured more than 100 people in Sumy, Ukraine, mid-morning on Palm Sunday. It's the deadliest attack in the country's invasion this year.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said his country's troops will not leave established buffer zones in Gaza after the war ends.And this week, the rebel group fighting the Sudanese army for power announced that it has formed its own government. 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

Apr 18, 2025 • 26min
Game Mode: The Switch 2 And The Future Of Gaming
Join expert guests Stephen Totillo, founder of The Game File, and Rebecca Valentine from IGN as they dive deep into the impending launch of Nintendo's Switch 2. They dissect the hefty $449.99 price tag and its implications for gamers, alongside insights on new features and beloved game updates. The conversation touches on the evolution of the gaming industry, the cultural significance of the Switch, and rising game prices that are stirring frustration among fans. Buckle up for an engaging look at the future of gaming!

Apr 17, 2025 • 36min
The Effect Of Tariffs On Small Businesses
Joining the discussion are Ernie Tedeschi, Director of Economics at the Yale Budget Lab and former White House Chief Economist, and Carl Shevik, CEO of mattress companies Earthfoam and Sleep on Latex. They delve into how tariffs, especially on imports from China, create market instability for small businesses. Personal stories reveal the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those relying on imported goods. The conversation also uncovers the uncertainties of navigating global supply chains and the impact on consumer costs.

23 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 32min
How Did This Get Here: Your Coffee
Join food journalist Dan Saladino, who authored 'Eating to Extinction,' Sarah Nguyen, founder of Nguyen Coffee Supply, and Bloomberg's Javier Blas for an insightful discussion on coffee's complex journey. They delve into the recent surge in coffee prices, influenced by climate change and tariffs. The conversation highlights the vital importance of sourcing, especially for Vietnamese Robusta, and the impact on smaller roasters. Discover how global trade dynamics shape your daily cup and the ecological implications tied to coffee consumption.