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Glenn Thrush, a New York Times correspondent, dives into the contentious nomination of Emil Bove, a former Trump defense attorney, for a federal judgeship. The discussion highlights the backlash from lawmakers and legal experts concerned about Bove's suggested defiance of court orders. Thrush examines Bove's controversial history at the Justice Department and the implications for judicial integrity amid growing political tensions. As the Senate gears up for confirmation, the stakes couldn't be higher for the future of the judiciary.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, joins Leo Cueo, a Medicaid law expert from Georgetown, and Keith Humphreys, a Stanford psychiatry professor, to discuss alarming implications of proposed Medicaid cuts. They delve into how these changes could strip over 11 million Americans of insurance, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and immigrants. The conversation highlights the potential fallout on nursing homes and addiction treatment services, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic responses to safeguard healthcare access.

David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent and author, discusses President Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a controversial letter to Jeffrey Epstein. The conversation uncovers the implications of such lawsuits on journalistic integrity and highlights the tense relationship between the White House and the press. Folkenflik also dives into the influences of Rupert Murdoch on conservative media and the troubling connections between political pressures and the recent cancellation of popular talk shows.

Jasmine Graham, a marine biologist and author of "Sharks Don't Sink," joins Simon Therold, a senior scientist at Woods Hole, and John Horn, an entertainment correspondent, to explore the dual life of sharks in culture and reality. They discuss the fear perpetuated by the film "Jaws" and its lasting impact on public perception. Graham shares shark conservation insights, revealing the threats these majestic creatures face today. Additionally, they dive into myths surrounding shark behavior and the urgent need for a shift in narrative to support their survival.

In this discussion, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, a Senior diplomatic correspondent at HuffPost, and Laura Meckler, a National Education Writer for The Washington Post, dive into the significant layoffs at the Departments of Education and State. They explore the repercussions of losing senior intelligence analysts at a crucial time for U.S. diplomacy, and the impact of educational staff reductions on student loan management. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll on employees and raise concerns about the future of both education policies and foreign relations.

In this discussion, guests include Alexis Simendinger from The Hill, Megan Scully of Bloomberg News, and David Rennie of The Economist, among others. They tackle the Senate's approval of controversial budget cuts to foreign aid, particularly affecting public media. A devastating incident in Gaza raises concerns over humanitarian efforts. The panel also delves into the political fallout from Donald Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and the rising inflation rates, scrutinizing their impacts on the economy and upcoming elections.

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.