Can’t-miss interviews: Mohsen Mahdawi, Steve Bannon and Maura Healey on Harvard cuts
A lot happened this week, and NPR has you covered. Catch up on the big news and culture moments you might have missed.
Mohsen Mahdawi — the Columbia student arrested at his citizenship appointment — speaks
Speaking to NPR in his first media interview since his detention, lawful permanent U.S. resident Mohsen Mahdawi finds peace in meditation and hopes “America will fulfill its promise.”
Steve Bannon praises Trump’s strategy, wants DOGE’s receipts
NPR’s Steve Inskeep spoke with the Trump ally and sometime presidential adviser about the president’s agenda at home and abroad.
Trump’s Harvard funding cuts don’t put “America first,” says Massachusetts governor
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey argues President Trump’s funding cuts to Harvard University and other universities are detrimental to the economy.
Weird Al keeps dorkiness close to his heart
“Weird Al” Yankovic has no trouble tapping into his dorkiness. Perhaps that’s the secret to his decades-spanning appeal. On this week’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin, he talks about aging into his weirdness.
Ford Motor CEO “welcomes” Trump’s move to ease tariffs on automakers
President Trump is easing some of his tariffs on the U.S. auto industry. But what will the overall impact of these economic policies mean for the nation’s biggest carmakers? Ford Motor CEO weighs in.
GOP blocked Hegseth Signal probe because he is “indefensible,” says Rep. Adam Smith
House Republicans blocked a resolution that could have forced an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., says it’s because the GOP knows it can’t defend him.
Heritage Foundation president on Trump’s first 100 days
NPR’s Juana Summers talks with Kevin Roberts — president of the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025 — about the Trump administration’s recent actions.
Ada Limón reflects on her tenure as the poet laureate
U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón reflects on her term and the urgency of connecting to nature through poetry.
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AI designs for dangerous DNA can slip past biosecurity measures, study shows
Companies that make DNA for science labs screen out any requests for dangerous bits of genetic material. But a new study shows how AI could help malevolent actors get the stuff anyway.
Taylor Swift, George Orwell and Dwayne Johnson are in movie theaters. Take your pick
In cineplexes this weekend, Dwayne Johnson plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr, while Taylor Swift debuts a new music video. A new documentary pairs real-world footage with George Orwell's prescient words.
The Energy Department canceled billions in funding. Democrats say it’s retribution
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the funding was for projects in 16 states, all of which voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Sean Combs, in custody for a year, to face sentencing on split verdict
The music mogul, who was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges, will be in court on Friday, Oct. 3 for a sentencing hearing.
What’s behind the health care fight that led to the government shutdown
It's Obamacare health insurance prices — and how much help 24 million Americans will get with their premiums — that are in dispute.
Birmingham’s Furnace Fest celebrates big milestone and new beginnings
Twenty-five years ago, Furnace Fest roared from the belly of Birmingham’s historic Sloss Furnaces for the very first time. It's revival returns this weekend.
