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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.

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Yesterday · 22 min
Tech: The AI Bubble Has Already Burst In China. Could The U.S. Be Next?
It’s been a massive year for AI — and it just got bigger. Anthropic, the company which makes Claude, filed its long-awaited Initial Public Offering on Monday in what could be the largest IPO ever. It was also a huge day for AI deals in general. SpaceX secured $40 billion in financing to lease chips to power modern AI. And Meta is seeking $95 billion for its AI buildout. Altogether, that’s about $235 billion in one day, almost 1 percent of U.S. GDP. We’re seeing Wall Street fund the AI buildout in real time. But the bubble has already burst in China. Could the U.S. be close behind? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Tuesday · 44 min
What Do The Protests Across Europe Mean For The Continent?
For weeks, people have been protesting across Europe. In France, high schoolers have staged blockades and organized major demonstrations demanding resources for underfunded schools — and rallied against high living costs in France’s major cities. Protests grew as labor unions, other activists, and also rioters joined in. The French protests have been marked by arrests, injuries, and violence. It’s a similar scene in other parts of Europe — including in Italy, Albania, Spain and Portugal. And, much like in France, young people are mostly leading the way. We take a look at the French protests and the larger youth movement in Europe. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Monday · 42 min
'If You Can Keep It': The DOJ’s Midterm Moves
Early voting for the midterm elections is underway all across America. And Election Day is just over a week away. Now the president, facing likely losses in the House and the Senate, is ramping up his campaign to intervene in midterm voting and vote counting like no other president ever has in history. The Department of Justice is alleging widespread non-citizen voting in California on flimsy evidence. The DOJ is also filing high-profile criminal charges alleging non-citizen voting. Department authorities are also threatening local officials in California, saying they could face legal action if the department disapproves of how they handle ballots. In this edition of “If You Can Keep It,” we look at what these unprecedented moves from the Justice Department mean for the midterms and for our democracy. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Friday · 1 hr 25 min
The News Roundup For October 23, 2026
This week, President Donald Trump announced that he’s spent $300 million on ads this midterm season, with plans to spend another $100 million before Election Day. The battle between President Trump and the press continues. CNN is threatening legal action against the White House after its journalists were denied access to Air Force One. And on Thursday, the White House Correspondent from The Independent was removed from the aircraft. With the midterms less than two weeks away, Trump is putting the pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the war with Russia. And, in global news, demonstrations in France began last month with students across the country protesting deteriorating school conditions, staff shortages and dilapidated buildings. But over several weeks, they’ve tapped into broader anger over living costs, public services, and economic and social discontent. The European Commission estimates the Iran war has cost Europe more than $112 billion through disrupted ?trade and energy markets. An estimated 1.4 million people – more than two thirds of Gaza’s population – are facing food insecurity. We cover the most important stories from around the globe in the on the News Roundup. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 22 · 41 min
Politics: The Midterm Races You Aren’t Hearing About
In just a dozen days, voters across the country will cast their ballots in midterm elections that could shift the balance of power in Washington. A lot of focus has been devoted to the contested races for Congress, with billions of dollars being spent on critical statewide contests and referendums. From governors’ mansions to statehouses to local ballot initiatives, voters will make their voices heard. We gather a panel of experts and zero in on some midterm races that aren’t necessarily making national headlines. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 21 · 42 min
Money: The 1A Economy Call-In
The sticker shock on everything from gas to food to housing continues to push Americans into tough choices about how to stretch their money. We heard from hundreds of listeners during a show last month focused on how they are experiencing the current economy — and answered their questions about managing finances in this moment. In fact, we heard from so many… that we’re doing it again. We invited a new panel of experts to help answer your questions about money and the economy. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 20 · 44 min
What Does Donald Trump’s Tariffs Mean For Michigan? Plus, The Israeli Election
In the decades following the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. and Canada built strong economic ties across their border. That robust partnership — which accounts for billions of dollars of goods — made Canada a key trading partner for northern states, like Michigan. But that decades-long economic relationship is fractured. Depending on how the Trump administration navigates its trade war with our northern neighbor, that relationship may not return to what many businesses and consumers consider normal. In August, the administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, taxing $20 billion of Canadian products like dairy, beverages, cement, and more. Canada hit back in September, matching them dollar-for-dollar with new tariffs on American dairy, steel, aluminum, agricultural product, and electronics. What have those tariffs meant for Michigan’s economy, especially given Michigan is at the center of the midterm elections? Plus, in one week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces voters for the first time in four years. They’ll answer one question: Does he deserve a record seventh term as leader based on his time in office? After the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, he launched a three-year-long war with Hamas. He’s maintained Israel’s democracy while relying on the most far-right political coalition in the country’s history. So, what are the stakes of this election in Israel? And how could the parties that win it shape the country’s current military operations in and around its borders? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 19 · 42 min
'If You Can Keep It': The View Of The Midterms From Michigan
1A comes to you from the Mitten State. We travel to the Midwest to talk about the Midterms. It’s a place that has become everything these elections are about: identity, power, and affordability. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the hotly-contested Senate race in which both candidates are talking about the effect of President Donald Trump’s economic policies on Michiganders. What’s at stake here? And what can it tell us about the rest of the country? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 16 · 1 hr 25 min
The News Roundup For October 16, 2026
In the last consumer snapshot before the 2026 midterm elections, the annual rate of inflation rose 3.7 percent. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is set to become the biggest donor of this midterm cycle, after spending more than $366 million on conservative candidates and causes. And the Trump administration is once again targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar, with federal agents issuing subpoenas to her family as they searched her family history for instances of fraud. And, in global news, fighting between the Saudis and the Yemeni Houthis is intensifying. A building owned by major Saudi energy company was the latest casualty as it was set ablaze late Tuesday. On Thursday, a presidential palace in Aden was also hit Also in the Middle East, Iranian drone and missile attacks are heating up in the Strait of Hormuz. At least six cargo vessels were attacked and sunk this week. In France, President Emmanuel Macron is accusing student protesters demonstrating against conditions in the nation’s schools of harboring political motivations and being exploited by his enemies. And in India, protestors put pressure on Prime Minister Modi. We cover the most important stories from around the world in the News Roundup. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 15 · 32 min
Money: What Rising Diesel Prices Mean For You
A new report released yesterday shows inflation is on the rise. Prices were up 3.7 percent in September over last year, the highest annual rate since May. The rising cost of fuel, specifically diesel, was a major factor in that jump. Why are these prices so high? And what does that mean for businesses and for you? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 14 · 44 min
In Good Health: Are We Solving Hearing Loss?
For those experiencing hearing loss, being able to discern the speech of other people in noisy environments can be frustrating. And hearing aids often don’t convey sound in every situation. Hearing loss affects 37.5 million adults in this country. And rates of hearing loss increase with age. Some 10 percent of those over the age of 55 have hearing loss that qualifies as a disability. And just over half of all people over the age of 75 have disabling hearing loss. In this edition of “In Good Health,” we talk about the health issues that most affect us and put your questions to the experts. This time, we tackle hearing loss. Here are some resources shared by our experts during this discussion: - HearAdvisor.com – a hearing aid comparison and review site - Hear & Beyond by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan – a guide to navigating hearing loss - Hearing Number app – a free smartphone app by Johns Hopkins University for measuring how much sound you can hear Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 13 · 43 min
Military: Pete Hegseth’s New Pentagon
The U.S. Military educates, and trains some of the best and brightest across the U.S. The Pentagon is a complex, big, and bureaucratic machine. It moves slowly. But it has evolved over time, reflecting changes in our society and politics. From the integration of the military in the late-1940’s to women finally being admitted to military academies, in the mid-1970s. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on a mission to change what he calls a “woke” and “weak” military. He says he wants to bring back a “warrior ethos” and “lethality” to the military. His strategy? Rolling back inclusive policies, firing high level officials, and overhauling military education. He’s been explicit about the kind of Pentagon he envisions, using vulgarities and slurs to make his point. What do Hegseth’s reforms mean for service members, cadets, military families, and the next generation of recruits? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 12 · 43 min
'If You Can Keep It': The Purpose Of The Polls
Polls play a major role in U.S. politics. And in the months leading up to an election, they’re everywhere. Polling doesn’t just indicate which party has a competitive advantage in a race. They also tell us about the issues that are most concerning to voters. And how these concerns break down by race, gender, education, age, and political affiliation. They also tell us the level of trust people have in the institutions tasked with carrying out our democratic processes. In this installment of our weekly series, “If You Can Keep It,” we break down the purpose of polls and their place in our elections, politics, and democracy. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 9 · 1 hr 27 min
The News Roundup For October 9, 2026
With less than one month to go until the midterms, Donald Trump is in Texascampaigning on behalf of Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Senate Democrats scuppered a plan championed by their Republican colleagues that would havesought to lower surging energy prices driven by data center construction. And New York has declareda state of emergency due to a surge in measles cases. In global news, following the police response to student protesters in France, the government hasbanned the use of stun grenades as lawmakers work to quell the demonstrations. On President Vladimir Putin’s birthday, Russian forces unleashed a wave of attacks across Ukraine killing 12 and injuring more than 40. And in Brazil, the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio,won a key election victory this week, bringing his family one step closer to retaking the country’s top office. We cover the most important stories from around the world in the News Roundup. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 8 · 44 min
Religion: Pope Leo XIV, So Far
It’s been a successful summer for Robert Prevost — one of Chicago’s most distinguished citizens. His essay on artificial intelligence was released in paperback to enthusiastic reviews. It was described by one prominent commentator as “beautifully written, hugely significant, speaks truth to power.” His three-city tour of France exceeded all expectations, drawing huge crowds. An estimated 800,000 people packed the Champs-Elysees to see him. And his beloved Chicago White Sox went from woeful to winners and made the World Series playoffs. Prevost, of course, is better known these days by another name: Pope Leo XIV. He’s the first ever American head of the Catholic church. So, how’s he doing? We sit down with a panel of experts to find out. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 7 · 43 min
In Good Health: The Evolution Of Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men — and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. One in eight men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. And Black men are more than twice as likely to die from it. Between the social stigma and misconceptions about diagnostic methods, it’s not something many men want to talk about. Some 99 percent of people diagnosed early with prostate cancer live at least 5 more years. And treatment options and guidelines are evolving rapidly. Our “In Good Health” series continues. We gather a group of doctors from three of the disciplines involved in the treatment of prostate cancer. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 6 · 42 min
Weather: What To Expect From The Super El Niño
Last week, a key stretch of the Pacific Ocean hit its highest temperature on record. And it’s still climbing. It’s a warning sign of the so-called Super El Niño, expected to bring floods, droughts, and heat waves. And higher prices for staples like coffee. What to expect from the super El Niño — and how states are preparing. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 5 · 42 min
'If You Can Keep It': Mental Health And Democracy
A veteran journalist covered the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol. That experience got her exploring the connection between stress, trauma, and our political choices. Our mental health might affect our politics. But our politics also definitely affect our mental health. In this edition of “If You Can Keep It,” we examine that intersection. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 2 · 1 hr 28 min
The News Roundup For October 2, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security has allocated$20 million to pay for pro-Trump ads glorifying the president, which have drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. The pay-to-play allegations plaguing Maine Sen. Susan Collins haveswing voters in her state re-thinking their support for the five-term GOP incumbent. And top AI executives descended upon Washington this week for a meeting at the White House. They agreed toself-police their industry following several high-profile mishaps and dire warnings from their colleagues about the dangers of their product. And, in global news, asthe value of Iran’s currency hits a record low, Qatari mediators are working to find a deal for peace that would be acceptable to leaders in both Washington and Tehran. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that thePalestinian death toll for the war in Gaza has surpassed 74,000. And Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase to the size of his country’s armyfor the fourth time this year. We cover the most important stories from around the world in the News Roundup. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
October 1 · 31 min
Midterms: The Connection Between Civics And Democracy
In five weeks, more than 100 million people will vote as part of the 2026 midterm elections. In New Hampshire and across the country, that means that voters will go to the polls to choose representatives, senators, governors, state legislators, city councilors, school board members, and more. So, what do we know about the basic nuts and bolts of our elections? Do we know who’s on our ballot and understand the positions we’re being asked to vote on? Do we understand how our election system works — especially since that system is the target of baseless allegations from the president? What’s the connection between a good civics education and a functioning political system? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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