Millions to lose SNAP benefits if shutdown continues
If the government shutdown continues into November, 34-year-old Pennsylvania mother of three Sara Stone is one of the tens of millions of Americans set to lose food assistance. She joins us to discuss what it means for her family.And, some lawmakers are raising concerns about the Trump administration's airstrikes against alleged drug cartel boats off the coast of Venezuela. Retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey weighs in on these military actions.Then, a redistricting war is going on across the country as Republicans and Democrats try to redraw congressional maps ahead of next year's midterms. California is asking voters to decide through Proposition 50. Maya C. Miller, politics reporter at CalMatters, explains more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Hidden Levels: Stick it to 'em
In this second episode of Hidden Levels, a podcast from 99 Percent Invisible and Endless Thread, Amory traces the history of the humble-yet-genius joystick. The journey goes from early 20th century aviation, to 1970s video game consoles like the Atari 2600, to the Nintendo 64 thumbstick in the 1990s, to what some consider the joystick's greatest implementation: the dual-thumbstick controller.This optimal interface has changed the game, and not just the video game. The modern dual-stick controller is now considered an MVP in the military, and in medicine.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Stephen King on ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and the future of his writing career
Iconic horror writer Stephen King has reimagined a classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale: “Hansel and Gretel.” A major inspiration behind his iteration of the tale came from illustrations of the story by the late Maurice Sendak, best known for his work on “Where the Wild Things Are.”King said he’s been writing about brave kids like Hansel and Gretel his entire career, and joins us to talk more about his version of “Hansel and Gretel” and the future of his writing career.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Head Start programs prepare to close as shutdown continues
The early childhood program Head Start is facing a cutoff of federal funding at the end of the month because of the government shutdown. Some Head Start educators are already working without pay, other programs are preparing to close. We speak with a teacher and her director based in Tallahassee, Florida. Then, President Trump is putting new sanctions on Russia's oil industry in an effort to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Georgetown University professor Jill Marie Dougherty joins us. And, next week an independent United Nations commission will present to the UN General Assembly the findings of a recent investigation that found Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel denies the allegations and refutes the report. We speak with one of the report's authors, Chris Sidoti.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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North Carolina Republicans approve Trump-backed congressional maps
North Carolina Republicans on Wednesday approved new congressional maps in an effort to boost their chances of holding onto Congress in next year's midterm elections. It's the latest redistricting battle since President Trump pushed Texas to redraw its maps. Political scientist Chris Cooper explains the implications.And, a new study by the independent health research organization KFF found that health insurance premiums are up 6% from last year. That’s more than double the inflation rate. Matthew Rae explains the price hike.Then, parts of the East Wing of the White House are being demolished as construction starts on President Trump’s ballroom. The East Wing has historically been the home of the First Lady's offices. Author Kate Andersen Brower talks about the history of the space.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young and Scott Tong with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.
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