Up First

The worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history happened during the war in Iraq. In Spring 2004, an explosion rocked a schoolhouse in the city of Fallujah. It left three dead and a dozen wounded. But you won't read about it in the history books. In fact, the event seems to have been scrubbed from the official record. So, why were the families of the deceased lied to? Why did the reports mysteriously disappear? And why do survivors still have to wonder about what happened that day? Today, we begin to uncover the truth. We bring you the first episode of Taking Cover, an investigative series from NPR's Embedded podcast. It's a story of betrayal, brotherhood and what's owed to families, the wounded, and the American public.

Two migrants died, trapped with others inside a shipping container on a train in Texas. Poor pay, pandemic burn-out, and bitter politics are causing teachers to drop out of the profession leading to a shortage in schools. Indian Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is ousted from Parliament, a day after he is found guilty for defamation.

Strikes over French President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform plans disrupt transportation, U.S. life expectancy is declining but a group of scientists say it can still be turned around and ex-president Donald Trump kicks off his 2024 campaign with a rally.

U.S. President Joe Biden heads to Canada for talks dominated by illegal immigration and Haiti, TikTok's CEO testifies in Congress and March Madness returns after several upsets in the opening rounds.

President Joe Biden brands the latest banking aid as a lifeline for jobs and small businesses, San Joaquin Valley residents assess storm damage and Imran Khan supporters gather in Lahore, Pakistan.

Republican lawmakers back ex-President Donald Trump ahead of his potential arrest, staff in the nation's second-largest school district plan a walkout in Los Angeles and the Federal Reserve weighs interest rate hikes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President Vladimir Putin, New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg weighs potential charges against former President Donald Trump, and UBS buys rival Credit Suisse in a historic deal to avert a spreading global banking crisis.

On October 2, 1919, then President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke that left him blind in one eye, partially paralyzed and barely able to write his own name. He was in the midst of his second term. For the remainder of his presidency, some 17 months, his wife managed his duties, serving as a kind of de facto president. Today, as we celebrate Women's History Month, Steve Inskeep joins us to share his interview with Rebecca Boggs Roberts, author of Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson.

Could multiple bank failures lead to a recession? President Biden asks Congress to make it easier to punish bank executives. And Iraq, 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion.

Lenders contribute $30 billion to rescue First Republic Bank, French President Emmanuel Macron pushes his pension reform through Parliament and seven Virginia sheriff's deputies face murder charges.

Financial markets are on edge over troubles at Credit Suisse, new CDC data shows the maternal mortality rate jumped over 40% in 2021 and the Biden administration is demanding that TikTok be sold.

Small regional banks face pressure after two such institutions failed, a Texas federal judge hears arguments over a key abortion drug and major storms wreak havoc on both U.S. coasts.

The U.S. releases February inflation numbers, the federal government's move to fully cover depositors at two failed banks triggers debate, and construction for the Willow oil drilling project gets underway in Alaska.

Federal officials seek to restore public confidence in the banking system after Silicon Valley Bank collapses, ex-president Donald Trump campaigns in Iowa, Hollywood elite score trophies at Oscars.

Three years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The virus had spread across the globe, and the WHO announcement triggered unprecedented measures – governments ordered people to quarantine, borders were closed and mandatory masking became commonplace. Today, science reporter Ari Daniel tells us about a new series from NPR: "Hidden Viruses: How Pandemics Really Begin." From bats in Bangladesh to dogs in Malaysia, NPR's Global Health and Development team traveled far and wide to learn how scientists are studying spillovers – when a disease crosses from animals to humans – and what makes some viruses more deadly than others.

Heavy rains in California have flooded roads and caused two deaths. Silicon Valley Bank, which catered to venture capitalists and tech investors, collapsed on Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a new five-year term with a trusted ally as the country's new Premier.

The U.S. releases February job numbers, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets President Biden in Washington to discuss trade and the war in Ukraine, and California braces for severe weather.

The latest on Russian missiles strikes in Ukraine, President Biden outlines his annual budget blueprint, U.S. intelligence chiefs brief lawmakers on global threats and the U.S. Justice Department says Louisville police violate human rights.

Two Americans kidnapped in Mexico are found dead while two others survive the ordeal, the Senate is set to vote down a D.C. crime bill, and five women denied abortions in Texas sue the state.

Florida's Republican-dominated legislature begins a session during which it is set to pass bills reflecting Governor Ron DeSantis's priorities, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the Senate, and French workers strike to protest pension reforms.

Russia seeks to lay siege to remaining Ukrainian forces in the eastern city of Bakhmut; China lays out its economic and policy agenda for the year ahead; and nearly 200 countries reach a landmark deal on the high seas.

The countdown to the 95th Academy Awards Ceremony is upon us. This year's nominees for Best Picture cover a wide range of genres, from the dizzying science fiction adventure film Everything Everywhere All At Once, to a dark Irish tragicomedy The Banshees of Inisherin, to a big-budget fighter jet sequel Top Gun: Maverick. There's a lot riding on these awards, as the film industry and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences fight to remain relevant. This week on Up First Sunday, we turn to our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour for a deep dive into the Best Picture Category and a chat about what's really at stake for Hollywood.

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference wraps up today. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is expected to win elections this weekend thanks in part to her criticism of Vladimir Putin. Shoppers keep spending but big retail stores are fretful.

The leader of Europe's strongest economy is visiting President Biden at the White House. Analysts think German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants the U.S. to back off its confrontation with China. How does Germany see China differently? The House Ethics Committee is investigating Republican Congressman George Santos of New York . Also, survivors of an earthquake in Turkey and Syria are now living in temporary housing.

Israeli police used stun grenades and water cannons on protesters. It marks the first time police have used force on the crowds since they started protesting against government attempts to weaken the judiciary. A new report by the U.S. intelligence community says no foreign adversary is behind the sudden onset of medical symptoms among U.S. officials, known as Havana syndrome. So what's responsible? And jurors in the murder trial of former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh are set to begin deliberations.

U.S. lawmakers seem to agree on a tougher view of China. How does the competition look from China? Nigeria — Africa's largest democracy — has elected a new president. But opposition leaders are contesting the election results and are calling for a new vote. And rescuers in Greece searched all night for survivors of a train accident. More than 30 were killed when a train carrying hundreds of people collided with a freight train head on.

The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to President Biden's student loan forgiveness program. Several Republican-led states are asking the court to permanently block the program. But do the states have the right to sue? A House panel holds a hearing on the competition between the U.S. and China. It's one of very few issues that's getting broad bipartisan attention. And more than a hundred thousand people in Mexico City protested the overhaul of the country's independent electoral institute. They say the reforms are a threat to democracy.

Israeli and Palestinian officials have agreed to de-escalate tensions. The two sides say they will work toward a "just and lasting peace." But the violence in the occupied West Bank continues. Snow and rain came down on California this weekend in places that never see snow, and more wet weather is ahead. Is it easing the severe drought? And voters in Chicago are heading to the polls on Tuesday. They will decide whether Mayor Lori Lightfoot will get another term leading the country's third largest city.

On December 16, 2022, a rancher from Washington state reported to a federal prison to begin serving an 11-year sentence. He was convicted of running one of the largest cattle-related fraud schemes in U.S. history, a swindle so big it actually affected the price of beef for American consumers.Up First Sunday host Rachel Martin speaks to journalist Anna King about how it all went wrong for rancher Cody Easterday. King also tells this story in her new podcast, Ghost Herd, a joint production of KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio and Northwest Public Broadcasting, members of the NPR Network.

The fate of an abortion medication is at stake. A dozen U.S. attorneys general from Democratic-led states sued the FDA Friday to expand access to the abortion pill. Challengers want to see it off shelves. In Nigeria, voters head to the polls to elect a president amid concerns over the economy and youth employment. And Ukraine enters a second year of war uncertain of what will happen next.

One year ago, Russia attempted a takeover of Ukraine that didn't work as planned. Ukrainians mark a year of lives and cities destroyed. They also mark a year of united resistance. What can the second year bring? China offers some thoughts on ending the war in Ukraine. But can a friend of Russia really help to find a way out of the war? Also, a federal judge considers a challenge to abortion pills. Could his decision restrict abortion access, even in states where it's legal?

Israeli military forces conducting a raid in the occupied West Bank killed at least 11 Palestinians. Over a hundred more were injured during a gun battle lasting hours. What do voters think of the debt ceiling? House Republicans say they won't pay the country's bills unless they gain unspecified concessions over future spending. A new NPR poll asks what voters make of it. And immigration advocates are threatening to sue the Biden administration over its proposed new asylum restrictions. How is the administration defending its new policy?

Russia says it's suspending the last big nuclear arms control treaty. It was one of the few ways the U.S. and Russia were still talking. President Biden is in Poland to talk with NATO leaders about what to do. How much more dangerous could the world become? A lot of Democrats have wanted someone besides President Biden to run in 2024. Now an NPR survey finds the president with greater support. And a leading crime fighter was committing crimes. Genaro Garcia Luna was Mexico's top law enforcement official. Now a U.S. jury has found him guilty of taking bribes.

President Biden will speak in Poland on Tuesday. He will make the case that the war in Ukraine is a battle for democracy against authoritarianism. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech just hours earlier described the war in Ukraine as an existential struggle against Western forces. What's next as the war enters its second year? And the Supreme Court hears a challenge to the legal immunity of social media companies. It's hard to sue them under a law known as Section 230.

This week marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. President Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv. Who has the upper hand as the war enters its second year? U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a three-country tour through Europe and Asia. The first stop was Germany; then Blinken went to Turkey, where he surveyed earthquake damage and promised more U.S. help. And Republican presidential hopefuls are making their way to Iowa. The Hawkeye State could give us a glimpse into where the Republican Party is heading.

It's been almost a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting the biggest land war in Europe since World War II. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced. This week, we hear from one ordinary citizen, Hanna Palamarenko. Also, NPR Correspondent Frank Langfitt talks about Ukraine's unexpected success in the last year and its biggest challenge to holding off Russian forces moving forward.

The focus of the Munich Security Conference has been support to Ukraine in its long war against Russia. But tense relations between China and the U.S. are also a main concern. In the U.S., attention turns to testing air and water quality as Ohio recovers from a toxic spill caused by a train derailment. And experts try answer a big question about where the economy is headed next.

Republicans are promising to improve border security. Something they claim the Biden administration has failed to do. So what are the GOP's ideas? Nicaragua's president is stripping his political opponents of their citizenship. It's another step in the president's years long effort to consolidate power. And Tesla is recalling more than 360,000 self-driving vehicles over software issues that may cause crashes.

Russia has launched a new offensive in Ukraine, throwing masses of conscripts into battle. Ukraine is expected to launch its own offensive. How could the next few months reshape the war? Residents of an Ohio town contend a railroad chemical spill is making them sick. Why do environmental officials say it's safe? And an investigation by NPR and the Marshall Project led to the closure of one of the deadliest prison units in the country. What happens with the inmates?

Nikki Haley is challenging her former boss for the Republican presidential nomination. Haley doesn't mention Donald Trump in her announcement video, but she does admit that Republicans repeatedly lost the popular vote. How can she do better? Yale researchers accuse Russia of a potential war crime. Moscow says it's part of a humanitarian program. So, why does Russia take thousands of children out of Ukraine? And Michigan lawmakers consider new gun control legislation in response to the deadly mass shooting at Michigan State University.

A gunman killed three and injured five others on campus at Michigan State University. Police say the suspected shooter is dead. This mass shooting is the 67th this year in the United States. In three days, three unidentified flying objects were shot out of the sky and it's raised a lot of questions. Critics are urging President Biden to address the public and provide answers. And in Turkey grief over those lost in the earthquake is mixed with anger over the government's response.

U.S. fighter jets shot down three unidentified objects in as many days. Military officials are on high alert after a string of airspace intrusions following the downing of a Chinese spy balloon over a week ago. What's happening in our skies? Over a million people are living in temporary shelters following the devastating earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and Syria. While rescue efforts continue, the death toll has now surpassed 33,000. And Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their second Super Bowl win in four years.

The story of civil rights in America is the story of legends like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. It is also the story of countless ordinary people who made a difference in their own, less-visible ways. In this week's episode, a conversation with NPR's Ayesha Roscoe about her series on the civil rights generation and how it is remembered by those who struggled against inequity and fought for a more just future.

Foreign aid has reached affected areas in Turkey following a deadly earthquake this week. But it has been much harder to get help across the boarder into Syria. Also, in Iran, tensions following months of deadly protest remain as the country observes the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. And in the U.S., FBI agents found one classified document in the Indiana home of former Vice President Mike Pence.

The FBI releases more information gleaned from the Chinese spy balloon, satellite data suggest Russia is draining a key reservoir in Ukraine, U.S. senators have tough questions for Southwest Airlines.

Turkey's president admits there were problems with his government's initial earthquake response, President Biden takes his message on the road, Florida GOP works to end Disney World's self-governance.

The big takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union speech, recovery efforts continue in Turkey and Syria following massive earthquakes, LeBron James sets an NBA record.

Emergency workers search frantically for earthquake survivors in Turkey, President Joe Biden gives his State of the Union address and Ohio averts catastrophe in chemical-filled derailed train cars.

The death toll continues to rise after a massive earthquake strikes Turkey and Syria, President Biden to deliver State of the Union to a new Congress, Beyoncé breaks records during the 2023 Grammys.

On the morning of August 21, 1991, a group of Cuban detainees took over a federal prison in Talladega, Alabama, and demanded their freedom. But how did they get here? And what became of them after? In the new season of NPR's White Lies, hosts Chip Brantley and Andrew Beck Grace unspool a decades-long story about immigration, indefinite detention, and a secret list. In the first episode, Brantley and Beck Grace search for answers to the questions raised by a single photograph.

A Chinese surveillance balloon floating over U.S. airspace leads to diplomatic tensions. And U.S. employers added more than half a million jobs to the market in January, which is great for wages, but bad for fighting inflation. Plus, two suspected gang members are arrested in a California in connection with the murders of 6 people, including an infant.

Antony Blinken prepares to meet with Xi Jinping soon after officials spotted a Chinese spy balloon over the U.S., ex-Guantánamo prisoner released to Belize, the Great Salt Lake at risk of drying up.

The U.S. expands its military presence in the Philippines with an eye toward Taiwan, the FBI finds no classified documents at Biden's vacation home, House Republicans hold an immigration hearing.

President Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to discuss the debt ceiling, thousands expected to attend Tyre Nichols' funeral in Memphis, the Fed's latest move to tamp down inflation.

Antony Blinken meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, cutting water use along the Colorado River, evidence is presented on Trump's role in paying hush money to Stormy Daniels.

Leaders in Memphis say police reform is just part of the solution to police violence, Antony Blinken arrives in Jerusalem amid mounting violence, House Republicans begin probes into Democrats.

For many African migrants who set out on long and dangerous journeys to Europe, the end point is Huelva province in southwestern Spain. Here, strawberry fields spread for miles and miles and jobs are plentiful. Each year, thousands of seasonal workers cultivate the soil, plant seedlings, water and fertilize and harvest the crops.In Huelva, workers from sub-Saharan Africa often live in dense settlements of semi-permanent structures without electricity or running water. And many are haunted by the question of when—or whether—they'll finally receive the documentation they need to travel home and see their families.In the final installment of our Climate Migration series, All Things Considered co-host Ari Shapiro and his team travel to Huelva and end their trip in Madrid, where they meet a Spanish politician who was once a migrant without papers himself.Ari tells Rachel stories of people who've made it to Spain but long for a sense of home while struggling for a foothold in a new country.This is the third episode of our series focused on Ari's reporting. You can listen to Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 in the Up First feed.

Memphis releases footage of the violent traffic stop that resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the Middle East amid renewed violence. NPR returns to a particular Walmart for more insight into the economy.

Five police officers are charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, Republicans disagree on what it means to be conservative, U.S. officials weigh how to oversee risky virus research.

What new federal data may reveal about consumer confidence and the U.S. economy, Meta lets Donald Trump back on Facebook, social media companies face pressure to crack down on online fentanyl sales.

A U.S. official says the Biden administration is "leaning towards" sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Tesla reports earnings amid turmoil, the U.S. attempts to strengthen ties in Africa.

Seven are dead and one is injured after California's second mass shooting in three days, U.S. senators hold a hearing on ticketing giant Ticketmaster, nominees for the 2023 Oscars are announced.

The latest on the deadly shooting in Monterey Park, President Biden's lawyers uncover more classified material at his Delaware home, and the FDA considers changing how COVID vaccines are administered.

Every year, thousands of migrants arrive at the northern end of the African continent. Many have traveled for years, through jungle, farmland and the vast Sahara desert, hoping to cross into Europe, where they believe a better future awaits.Last week on Up First Sunday, we told the story of Senegalese migrants embarking on the dangerous journey to Europe by sea. This week, we consider a different kind of crossing. In North Africa, Spain controls two small cities: Ceuta and Melilla. If migrants can scale the heavily fortified border fences surrounding these enclave cities, they will officially be on European soil. We check in with Ari Shapiro, the co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, as he explores the realities facing migrants just outside of the walled city of Melilla–in Nador, Morocco.This is the second episode from our series following the connections between climate change, migration and rising political extremism. Chapter 3 publishes next Sunday.

Protesters continue to take to the streets in Peru demanding that the President step down and for new elections. The U.S. will send a large package of weapons to Ukraine, but not the tanks Ukraine wants so badly. Coffee pods may not be as great for the environment as the latest buzz suggests.

Ukraine's Western allies consider whether to send battle tanks to the country, what's next for the March for Life after Dobbs, China celebrates the Lunar New Year amid relaxed COVID rules.

A high stakes debt ceiling fight looms on Capitol Hill, the tech industry turns to layoffs as it faces a sharp downturn, the dos and don'ts of handling classified documents,

Shootings in New Mexico targeted Democratic officials, a new study provides insights into viral "co-infections" among children, and data show that most Paycheck Protection Program loans were forgiven.

An update from Dnipro, Ukraine, where a Russian missile strike killed dozens of civilians. Tesla CEO Elon Musk goes on trial for his tweets. The U.S. seeks to cut off China from Dutch semiconductors.

More discovered classified documents becoming a headache for Biden. The rain is ending in California, but assessing damage is just beginning. How much activity overcomes a day of sitting at your desk?

Saint-Louis is the former colonial capital of Senegal, and it is filled with ornate 19th century villas. It is also the city that the U.N. has called the "most threatened by sea level rise in the whole of Africa." As the ocean gradually swallows historic fishing villages, the fishermen of Saint Louis are leaving on the boats they once used to bring in the catch. The destination? Europe. Where they hope to earn money to send home to their families.This past fall, NPR's All Things Considered co-host Ari Shapiro and a team of producers embarked on a journey to understand the connections between climate change, global migration, and far-right extremism. Along the way, they checked in with Up First Sunday host Rachel Martin to share stories they heard from the people they met.This is the first episode of a multi-part series focused on Ari's reporting. Part 2 publishes next Sunday.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the U.S. debt limit will be reached next week but she will take "extraordinary measures" to stave off default. An investigation into why classified documents landed in President Biden's home and private office may complicate his relationship with the Justice Department. Parts of Alabama turn to recovery after damage caused by severe weather.

Special Counsel Robert Hur to investigate Biden's potential mishandling of classified documents, the West sends more weapons to Ukraine, a new law could help governments prepare for extreme weather.

New York Republicans call for U.S. Rep. George Santos to resign, the U.S. aviation sector recovers after another challenging travel day, and Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs announces layoffs.

Analyzing media coverage of President Biden's classified documents predicament, California prepares for more storms, Russian mercenaries declare a rare victory in Ukraine.

Torrential rains prompt evacuations in California, the Biden administration's new student loan repayment plan faces a big challenge, and a 6-year-old boy is accused of shooting his teacher.

Brazil's president returns to Brasilia following Sunday's attack on government buildings. President Biden meets with other North American leaders in Mexico City. The U.S. House returns to business.

Climate change is upending life in some of the world's poorest countries. In Somalia, the last five rainy seasons have been practically rain-free. NPR reporter Jason Beaubien shares stories of the Somalians he spoke to when he visited the country, where people are managing a drought, hunger and conflict all at once.

Kevin McCarthy was named Speaker of the House after 15 rounds of voting. Businesses brace for recession by slowing down hiring, amidst a strong labor market for 2022. The Biden administration will send its biggest aid package to Ukraine yet, but the weapons may not be exactly what they wanted.

GOP voters say they're fed up with the stalemate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Putin calls for a Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine. Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin shows "substantial improvement."

A historic stalemate in the U.S. House of Representative heads into its third day. A powerful storm touches down in Northern California. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba resumes full services for the first time since 2017.

Kevin McCarthy humiliated in bid for speaker by rogue Republicans. Fans and family rally around NFL player who collapsed on the field. India expected to become world's most populous country this year.

Coaches and players react after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals; Republican Kevin McCarthy seeks House speaker job; and New York seeks ways to address record numbers of people struggling to find housing.

Ukrainians begin the new year much as the previous year — sheltering from Russian bombardment; state leaders tackle hot-button issues like abortion and voting access; and the Vatican prepares for Pope Benedict XVI's funeral after his death at age 95.

How do we adapt in an uncertain world? In her new memoir, "The Light We Carry," the former first lady shares her philosophy on the relationships we have throughout our lives—with our partners, our families and ourselves. "You have to evolve with it," she says. In this special episode of NPR's Life Kit podcast, All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Michelle Obama.

Retired Pope Benedict has died at the Vatican. He was 95. Russian airstrikes hit multiple Ukrainian cities, targeting critical infrastructure. After a lengthy legal battle, six years of Donald Trump's federal tax returns are now public.

2022 saw opioid use reach an all-time high — the year also saw drug companies agreeing to $50 billion in opioid settlements. Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, arguably the greatest ever to play 'the beautiful game', died Thursday at 82. Millennial and Gen Z Republicans are pleading with their party to address the issues that motivate younger voters.

The Nassau County DA is investigating GOP Rep.-elect George Santos after he admitted to lying about his education, employment and religion in the 2022 campaign; Ukrainians are preparing for a renewed offensive by Russia; and a new far-right government is sworn in today in Israel.

Southwest Airlines has cancelled nearly two thirds of its flights at the height of the holiday travel season, as its CEO Bob Jordan posted a video begging forgiveness from passengers — and Southwest employees; the Supreme Court upheld COVID border restrictions; and climate-conscious investment funds may face scrutiny from GOP lawmakers in the new term.

After 3 years of strict COVID travel rules, China is re-opening — just as surge of cases threatens to overwhelm its healthcare system; Ukraine's foreign minister is calling for UN-brokered peace talks, but with steep pre-conditions; NPR finds that some parents of foster children with unpaid foster care charges risk losing parental rights.

The death toll from the weekend's winter blizzard continues to rise, with Buffalo, NY hit especially hard. Russian president Vladimir Putin says he's open to talks to end the war in Ukraine. Supreme Court arguments have grown longer.

In 1962, Barbra Streisand recorded what was supposed to be her debut album. At the time, she didn't think it was good enough. It was finally released a few weeks ago as "Live At The Bon Soir." In her interview with host Rachel Martin, Streisand transports us to the club where she recorded the album, discusses her true ambition to be an actress and her lifelong aversion to live performance.

A bitter cold winter storm sweeps the U.S., knocking out power and upending holiday travel plans. The House committee investigating the January 6th insurrection released its final 800-page report. It's been three months of protests in Iran demanding regime change: the latest on the momentum of the demonstrations.

The Jan. 6 House committee released its more than 800-page report. Immigration hardliners blocked a bipartisan bill in Congress to grant legal status to Afghan refugees. COVID threatens to overwhelm China's healthcare system.

The U.S. announced it will send a Patriot Missile air defense system to Ukraine. Congress mulls a massive government funding measure. A winter storm blankets much of the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit President Biden and congressional leaders in Washington. House committee approves release of Trump's taxes. The Taliban has banned women from attending universities in Afghanistan.

Pandemic border restrictions are extended by the Supreme Court. The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack held a final hearing. Harvey Weinstein is found guilty of rape in a second sex trial.

The Jan. 6 committee votes on issuing criminal referrals against Donald Trump. Argentina wins its first World Cup title in 36 years. The Biden administration announces a shift in its strategy to fight homelessness.

Criticism about representation and misrepresentation in film are nothing new. In this episode, Aisha Harris, co-host of the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, traces the debates ignited by Steven Spielberg's 1985 film, "The Color Purple." The adaptation of Alice Walker's novel is remembered as a fan-favorite that centers Black women's lives, but got markedly different reactions from male and female viewers.

Kevin McCarthy struggles to drum up votes, as Republicans are divided over who to choose as House Speaker. There are now worries over crypto currency trading platform Binance after the dramatic collapse of FTX. Tens of thousands of nurses, rail and mail workers are on strike in the UK, demanding better work conditions and higher pay.