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Chapter 1: How can I support NPR and get special access?
Public media counts on your support to ensure that the reporting and programs you depend on thrive. Make a recurring donation today to get special access to more than 20 NPR podcasts, perks like sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes, early access, and more. So start supporting what you love today at plus.npr.org.
Chapter 2: What recent actions has the Trump administration taken regarding federal workers?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. The Trump administration is appealing this week's court rulings that reverse some of the mass firings of probationary federal workers. Meanwhile, federal agencies are still proceeding with plans for large-scale reductions in their workforces. Here's NPR's Stephen Fowler.
Thank you. And a Maryland district judge gave a similar directive to more than a dozen departments and offices. The next phase of restructuring asks agencies to conduct large-scale reductions in force in the coming months. Stephen Fowler, NPR News, Atlanta.
Chapter 3: What is the current status of U.S. engagement with Russia?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. 's engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been positive and productive. He says the two sides will probably convene this weekend to keep talking about ending Russia's more than three-year-old war in Ukraine.
I think there is reason to be cautiously optimistic. But by the same token, we continue to recognize this is a difficult and complex situation. It will not be easy. It will not be simple. But we certainly feel like we're at least some steps closer to ending this war and bringing peace, but it's still a long journey.
Chapter 4: What changes are happening in Canada's political landscape?
Rubio, following the G7 gathering in Canada today, the country swore in a new prime minister. Mark Carney succeeds Justin Trudeau in guiding his country through the next four years of working with the Trump administration. So far, Trump has threatened or imposed higher tariffs on Canadian goods. He's also repeatedly expressed a wish to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.
Chapter 5: What is the latest news about hostages held by Hamas?
Canada's new foreign affairs minister sent a blunt message to her American counterpart declaring Canada's sovereignty is not up for debate. Hamas says it is willing to release the one remaining living Israeli-American hostage, along with the bodies of four other dual national Americans. They've been held in Gaza since the October 2023 attack on Israel.
The militant group made the announcement online on its Telegram channel. NPR's Kat Lonsdorf has the latest.
In that telegram statement, Hamas said it will release 21-year-old Idam Alexander, an Israeli soldier, an American dual citizen who was serving at the time of his capture. It also agreed to release the bodies of, quote, four other dual nationals. It's unclear what the terms of their release would be or whether a formal proposal has been put forward to either side by the mediators.
The statement comes after the U.S. has, in recent weeks, held direct talks with Hamas, a major shift in U.S. policy. Both U.S. officials and Hamas confirmed they discussed the release of American hostages. In response to the announcement, Israel called Hamas' willingness to release the Americans, quote, alleged, and said it was intended to sabotage negotiations. Kat Lonsdorff, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
This is NPR News. A Senate confirmation hearing is being held for Dr. Mehmet Oz, the TV personality whom President Trump selected to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
I share my story with you for a simple reason, to highlight that everything I have done in my life, educationally and professionally, has prepared me for this precise moment in time, which I believe offers a monumental opportunity and a challenge for us at CMS.
But critics have raised conflict of interest concerns because of Dr. Oz's personal financial gains from the same industry he'll be tasked with helping to oversee if confirmed. It was not the night out one might expect while attending a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra.
NPR's Elizabeth Blair reports the vice president and second lady made an appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and were booed.
Video of the incident has gone viral. Before the concert began, the booing of Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance went on for several seconds. Current Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell said on social media, "...it troubles me to see that so many in the audience appear to be white and intolerant of diverse political views."
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