1A

President Donald Trump issued a sweeping pardon of January 6 rioters within hours of taking office. The move came among dozens of other executive actions concerning things like remote work and immigration.Trump took time to talk about those orders in his inauguration remarks, saying, "With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense."The president is making good on repeated promises for what aides called "shock and awe" on his first day. We break down what this slew of orders means for the U.S.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

A lot has changed in the United States since the last presidential inauguration in January of 2021.Four years ago, the world was managing a global pandemic, the U.S. was coming to terms with an insurrection on our democracy, and Donald Trump was on his way out of the White House.In just a few hours, he'll be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on the steps of the Capitol building.We discuss the first items on his agenda and hear your thoughts on his upcoming presidency. 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

Republican officials are hinting that they may withhold aid from California in the wake of devastating fires unless "conditions are met."President Joe Biden bid farewell to the nation in his final address, warning Americans against the dangers of populism.Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal that will begin a path for the war in Gaza to end.And Ukraine arrested has North Korean troops fighting for Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr said Ukraine is ready to send them back to their homeland in exchange for its own soldiers held in Russia.1A's Todd Zwillich guides us through the week's biggest headlines for this installment of the News Roundup. 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

For the this installment of our (dot) GOV series, we're taking a closer look at two departments with big responsibilities. The Department of the Interior is tasked with protecting and managing the nation's "natural resources and cultural heritage." It's often referred to as "The Department of Everything Else." It's made up of about 70-thousand workers. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy sounds a bit more straightforward – but even then, what exactly does "energy" entail – especially in an agency with about 13-thousand federal workers? We dig into the departments and the people running them. 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

Negotiators have reached a ceasefire deal, with a path to ending Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza. It is set to begin on Jan. 19.The war in Gaza began after Hamas' attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza.Gaza's health ministry says more than 46,500 people have been killed during the war. A new, peer-reviewed study in The Lancet suggests that the death toll could be 40 percent higher than that tally. Israel says 94 of the hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 34 are presumed dead. We talk about what this deal means for both sides and for the future of the Middle East.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

It's safe to say most Americans hear the most about the U.S. Department of Agriculture when things go wrong — namely when something has to be recalled.But the department is responsible for so much more than just delivering bad news. It consists of 29 agencies that employ some 100,000 employees across 4,500 locations both domestic and abroad.Another agency whose name shows up when things go wrong is the Environmental Protection Agency. As its name implies, it's tasked with creating and upholding standards that protect the health of Americans and our environment, including our natural resources and ecosystems. It's an important, if sometimes thankless, responsibility.We discuss what the agencies and their responsibilities. 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

It's the country's least favorite federal agency. Especially around this time of year.The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for collecting America's taxes and administering tax laws. Which means it draws a lot of ire from our nation's citizens. But the work it does is vital to funding federal agencies, services, programs, and much more.In the same vein, the Department of the Treasury is responsible for managing federal finances. The public probably best knows it for its influence on interest rates.We discuss how the agencies work together and how their employees work for the country.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

You've probably heard President-elect Donald Trump say he plans to close the Department of Education.It's the smallest of the cabinet-level federal agencies, with just over 4,000 employees. Its 2024 budget was $275 billion. That's 4 percent of all federal funding.Trump's plans to completely shutter the department are unlikely to happen. He may, however, make big changes to it, shifting many of its responsibility to other agencies.But what are those responsibilities exactly? And who carries them out? As part of our series on federal workers, dot Gov, we're diving into the Department of Education today to talk about its functions and what the future president's plans for it mean for the American people.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

Firefighters battle to control several of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed at least five people, razed communities and forced thousands from their homes.A New York court declines incoming President Trump's request to halt criminal sentencing in his felony sex scandal cover up case.Meanwhile, the Danish king changed the royal coat of arms to more prominently feature the territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. That comes after President-elect Donald Trump seems to suggest he could try to acquire them by force.Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of his resignation on Monday, many are wondering who will now lead the country's Liberal Party.The State Department announces that Sudan's rebels have committed genocide and violence that have produced a "large humanitarian catastrophe."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

Donald Trump and the Department of Justice have a tumultuous relationship to say the least. It's become a focal point of the president-elect's campaign against the federal government. He's threatened to fire many of its employees and frequently brought up issues with the DOJ during his 2024 campaign speeches. This week, the Justice Department announced its intention to release part of its report on Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. But officials plan to keep the part of the report detailing his mishandling of files at his Mar-a-Lago resort confidential.Trump has threatened to fire Jack Smith, the special attorney handling both cases.As part of our dot Gov series, we take a look at the role the Justice Department plays in our government. We discuss Trump's vision for the agency and what it means for the people who work there.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

Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president of the United States, died in late December at the age of 100. Carter served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981.In October, 1A marked Carter's centenary birthday, looking back at his political career and post-presidential work. We heard from many of you wishing him a happy birthday and sharing stories about meeting Jimmy Carter in person.Carter was also guest on 1A in 2018 to talk about his book, "Faith: A Journey for All." A devout evangelical Christian, he spoke at length about his religious values. He also spoke about the importance of faith to all people, including those who don't identify as religious.His funeral took place in Washington D.C. President Joe Biden declared this Thursday a national day of mourning. As part of the celebration of President Carter's life, we remember his legacy. 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

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans. It administers insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid, approves food and drug products through the FDA, and oversees vaccines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases through the CDC.As the largest civilian agency in the government, HHS employs more than 80,000 federal workers. But it's also an agency that could face significant changes under the incoming Trump administration.Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine activist, will head HHS if confirmed in the Senate. And President-elect Trump has promised to "dismantle government bureaucracy" by slashing the federal workforce.For this installment of our (dot) Gov series, we discuss what the move means for the work HHS employees. 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

Few Americans familiar with the federal government are unaware of the Department of Defense. The DOD is one of our largest agencies with a budget of $2 trillion dollars. That's roughly 16 percent of the entire federal budget. And few veterans are unaware of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also called the VA. It facilitates programs that benefit those who've served in the armed forces and their families. But who's watching over that trillion-dollar defense budget? And who's making sure those programs that help veterans are working? For this installment of (dot) Gov, we dive into the federal workers who help make sure the DOD and the VA stay up and running. 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

Four years ago on Jan. 6, journalist Kate Woodsome was at the U.S. Capitol. She was calm as a small group surrounded her, shouting. What happened next reverberated around the country for years to come.The storming of the Capitol was a historic moment for the United States. But it was also a crucial turning point in the life of that Washington Post reporter at the center of the vitriol. In the four years since, she's made major changes in her professional and personal life. She's also shifted her thinking about our divided nation.Woodsome joins us to to reflect on what happened that day and what it meant for her relationships, her work, and her country.To read more of Kate Woodsome's work, check out the Invisible Threads newsletter.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

President-elect Donald Trump says federal workers' jobs are on the chopping block under his incoming administration, citing waste and promising to "dismantle government bureaucracy."The more than 2 million government workers across the country – at least 80 percent of whom are located outside DC – do critical work that keeps all facets of U.S. life running.While the president-elect's rhetoric is concerning for them, problems with the upkeep and setup of our federal agencies do persist. We launch our new series, dot Gov, with a look at the past, present and future of the federal workforce, and what's at stake for all Americans as these workers face changes under a new administration.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

President Jimmy Carter died this week at 100, the first president to reach his centenary birthday. A truck plowed into crowds in the early hours of New Years Day in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring dozens more. The driver was killed following an exchange of fire with police.Overseas, a South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for impeached and President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law on the country in late 2024.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that he believes the war his country is fighting to repel a Russian invasion will be over after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.World Health Organization officials are urging Israeli authorities to cease attacking medical facilities in Gaza.We cover all this and more during the News Roundup. 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

They are best friends who are with us through all of life's ups and downs. They love us unconditionally, even when we aren't our best selves.Many people consider their pets to be part of their family. That's why when our pet companions pass away, it can be devastating. Some research suggests that losing a pet can be even more difficult to cope with than the death of a family member.Today, more people are seeking out pet loss support. There's also a movement to push for more policies at work like pet bereavement.We discuss how our understanding of grieving over the loss of a pet is evolving, and how we support those experiencing the loss. 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

Writing a book can be hard. Add in the twists and turns of a mystery... Where to even start?!Three authors join us today to help us cozy up to confusing capers. In the latest edition of our "Ask A" series, we're asking mystery novelists about how they mystify and confound amateur sleuths and gumshoes the world over.From the red herrings to the smoking guns, how do they craft their whodunits?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

2024 was a hard year for people who make games — the industry saw mass layoffs and increasing consolidation. But for the people who play them, releases didn't slow down.Indie developers released games like the monster-hunting game "Palworld" and "Animal Well," an expansive puzzle game.Big developers moved some releases back — like new additions to the "Assassin's Creed" and "Grand Theft Auto" series. Remakes of legendary titles from the "Silent Hill" and "Final Fantasy" series delighted longtime fans. And "Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom" saw Princess Zelda take a leading role. In this installment of Game Mode, we get into the video games of 2024 and what this year can tell us about the state of the video game industry.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

Art, for many of us, is an escape.Whether it's turning on your favorite album during a traffic-heavy commute or getting lost in your favorite book before bed – art helps us cope with the stresses of everyday life.But how does the role of art shift when your way of life is turned upside down in an instant? That's what happened to Slava Leontyev, his wife, Anya, and their friend Andrey when Russia invaded Ukraine. Instead of leaving, the three Ukrainian artists chose to fight erasure and Russian aggression through their work.A new documentary called "Porcelain War" follows their journey surviving and defending their country while holding onto their humanity.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