Best Congressional App Challenge Podcasts (2025)

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‘We owe this to our children’: Minneapolis mayor calls for action after school attack 11:17

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12h ago11:17

11:17

A shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis left at least two young children dead and another 17 people injured. Authorities say they do not yet know of a motive, but said the shooter released a manifesto on social media that has since been taken down. William Brangham reports and Geoff Bennett speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. PBS News …

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News Wrap: Trump administration taking over management of D.C.’s Union Station 7:15

13h ago7:15

7:15

In our news wrap Wednesday, the Trump administration is taking over management of Washington's Union Station in its latest effort to put the capital city further under federal control, CDC head Susan Monarez is reportedly being forced out weeks after taking the job, the FDA approved updated COVID vaccines with new restrictions and Kilmar Abrego Gar…

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FEMA employees behind letter blasting Trump cuts placed on leave amid crackdown on dissent 6:38

16h ago6:38

6:38

About two dozen FEMA employees have been placed on leave after they signed an open letter criticizing the Trump administration’s cuts and personnel decisions. The letter warns the cuts undermine the progress FEMA has made after Hurricane Katrina, a storm that slammed the Gulf Coast 20 years ago this week. Amna Nawaz discussed the changes with Craig…

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Miles Taylor warns: ‘We need America to wake up’ as Trump punishes opponents 6:17

14h ago6:17

6:17

The suspension of FEMA staffers and the FBI raid of John Bolton are just the latest examples of the Trump administration targeting critics or political enemies. That ire is something Miles Taylor knows all too well. While serving in Trump’s first administration, he anonymously criticized the president and has been dealing with the fallout ever sinc…

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Russia and Ukraine target each other’s energy infrastructure as war persists 4:08

14h ago4:08

4:08

Ukraine said that more than 100,000 people were without power after Russia launched a massive attack on the country's energy infrastructure. Ukraine has also been targeting Russia's oil and gas facilities, spiking fuel costs and requiring the country to ration gas. It's just the latest sign that the war continues to rage, despite American attempts …

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What the Cracker Barrel backlash reveals about the power of branding 5:45

14h ago5:45

5:45

Cracker Barrel is backtracking on its nearly $700 million rebrand after widespread backlash from customers and investors. The overhaul, centered on a text-only logo and a modern design, was criticized as sterile and out of step with the chain’s nostalgic image. Geoff Bennett discussed the rebrand, the backlash and the politics at play with Americus…

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What Americans can learn from Northern Ireland’s history of political violence 11:32

14h ago11:32

11:32

The United States is a deeply divided country awash in weapons, leading many to worry about escalating political violence and even a broader sectarian conflict. Judy Woodruff traveled to Northern Ireland, a place steeped in both political violence and the hope for peace, to find out what lessons we might learn from its experience. It's for her seri…

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How Trump’s attempts to control Federal Reserve board threaten its long-held independence 12:28

1d ago12:28

12:28

President Trump made it clear he is seeking more control of the Federal Reserve. He said he fired Fed Governor Lisa Cook from the bank's board, but she says she's not leaving and will take the administration to court. At stake is the balance of power on the nation's top bank, which could undermine its long-held independence. Amna Nawaz discussed mo…

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News Wrap: Israeli military says it targeted Hamas camera in Gaza hospital strike 5:21

1d ago5:21

5:21

In our news wrap Tuesday, the Israeli military claims it was targeting a Hamas surveillance camera when it struck a hospital in Gaza and killed 20 people, including five journalists and the Trump administration says it will withhold federal funding from states that don't enforce English language requirements for truckers. PBS News is supported by -…

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Can Trump legally reinstate the death penalty in Washington, D.C.? 4:47

1d ago4:47

4:47

President Trump spent more than three hours touting what he sees as his administration's achievements at his cabinet meeting. He weighed in on topics from reinstating the death penalty for murder cases in Washington, D.C., to Health Secretary Kennedy's attempt to identify a cause for autism. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https…

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California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines 8:09

1d ago8:09

8:09

The demand for water from the Colorado River is of paramount importance out West and the focus of some big battles. It's been especially critical for farming and agriculture. In California's Imperial Valley, there are growing questions over the use of that resource and whether bigger changes are needed. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. …

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Baltimore’s mayor calls Trump’s threats to send in troops ‘political theater’ 7:15

1d ago7:15

7:15

President Trump is threatening to send the National Guard into other Democratic-led cities, just days after ordering troops into Washington. One of his main targets is Baltimore. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the threats inappropriate and invited the president to visit to see the progress city and state leaders say they’ve made. Geoff Bennett disc…

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Retired major general calls Trump’s National Guard plans ‘unneeded and dangerous’ 6:55

1d ago6:55

6:55

President Trump signed an executive order Monday that said each state’s National Guard units “are resourced, trained, organized and available to assist federal, state and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances.” Nick Schifrin discussed the latest with retired Army Major General Randy Manner, the former acting vice chief of the Nationa…

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East Coast vineyards threatened by invasive spotted lanternflies 4:47

1d ago4:47

4:47

They’re on pavement, in gardens and in parks. If you’re in the Northeast, you’ve probably seen a spotted lanternfly this summer. The invasive species has spread to 19 states where they chow down on dozens of plants, especially grape vines. Deema Zein reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. Se…

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A Brief But Spectacular take on the power of connection 2:55

1d ago2:55

2:55

Matthew Rantanen grew up in Washington State, near Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene, Colville and Spokane communities — an experience that shaped his decades-long work expanding broadband in Indian Country. Rantanen has been a leading ally in tribal digital equity and shares his Brief But Spectacular take on the power of connection. PBS News is supported b…

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s attorney discusses his case amid new deportation effort 7:08

3d ago7:08

7:08

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident whose illegal deportation sparked scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, was arrested again during a meeting with ICE. The administration now says he’s being processed for deportation to Uganda. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg…

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News Wrap: Trump signs order aimed at flag burning 5:14

3d ago5:14

5:14

In our news wrap Monday, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at flag burning, the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, a dangerous heat wave in the Pacific Northwest is refusing to let up and nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees are warning that changes by the Trump administration could result in a…

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A look at D.C.’s unique history and why presidents can wield control of law enforcement 6:56

3d ago6:56

6:56

Some of the more than 2,000 National Guard troops on duty in Washington, D.C., are now armed, part of a crackdown that President Trump once again claimed was needed to help curb crime in the city. While he threatened similar actions in other cities, including Chicago and New York, his power to consolidate law enforcement in the nation’s capital is …

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Another 5 journalists killed after Israel strikes Gaza’s largest hospital 8:11

3d ago8:11

8:11

A pair of Israeli strikes on a Gaza hospital killed five journalists and more than a dozen others, including first responders. Some of their deaths occurred on live television in what Israel called a "tragic mishap." This incident follows strikes that killed six journalists in Gaza City two weeks ago, the single deadliest day of the war for those c…

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Democratic Rep. Doggett on Texas redistricting battle and party’s pushback against Trump 7:13

3d ago7:13

7:13

Democratic Party leaders from across the country are meeting in Minneapolis as the party reckons with its 2024 losses and faces Republican redistricting. In Texas, Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett said he would retire if the new congressional maps stand. Lisa Desjardins spoke with Doggett about this significant moment for him and the Democratic Party.…

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Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on whether Newsom’s tactics against Trump are working 9:56

3d ago9:56

9:56

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including Democrats trailing Republicans in midterm fundraising, California Gov. Newsom getting attention for pushing back against Trump, how voters are viewing Trump's immigration crackdown and the retribution presid…

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Is a bubble forming as AI investments drive economic growth? 7:45

3d ago7:45

7:45

Tech companies are pumping hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure to ramp up artificial intelligence. Some projections show the spending may be fueling nearly half of this year’s estimated GDP growth. Economics correspondent Paul Solman looks at how AI is already impacting the economy, and whether a new risky bubble could be forming simu…

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News Wrap: Zelenskyy marks Ukraine’s Independence Day with ceremonies in Kyiv 3:16

4d ago3:16

3:16

In our news wrap Sunday, Ukraine marked 34 years since declaring independence even as its war to repel Russian invaders stretches on, desperation to reach food aid is hitting a new high in Gaza, Israel struck targets in Yemen in retaliation for Houthi attacks, the Pentagon is reportedly planning to deploy troops to Chicago, and 120 teams competed i…

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How scammers are siphoning college financial aid with stolen student identities 5:32

4d ago5:32

5:32

According to recent reports, sophisticated criminal networks are using identity theft to disguise themselves as students at U.S. colleges. They flood colleges with applications in order to siphon off tens of millions of dollars in financial aid, taking up seats that real students need. Ali Rogin speaks with Fortune editor Amanda Gerut to learn more…

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Why three brothers are attempting a record-setting row across the Pacific Ocean 8:53

4d ago8:53

8:53

It’s a story of three brothers, a boat and thousands of miles of ocean. The Maclean brothers from Scotland are in the final stretch of their attempt to row nonstop across the Pacific from Peru to Australia. They’re going for more than a world record — they’re raising money for clean water projects in East Africa. John Yang spoke with the brothers w…

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Rock The Rez brings musical empowerment and glam to Indigenous kids 6:06

4d ago6:06

6:06

The benefits of music education for children are well-documented. It can boost mental health, enhance creativity and improve cognitive functioning. A summer camp program in South Dakota and Minnesota aims to bring all that and more to Indigenous girls and gender-diverse kids — with a little rock star treatment thrown in. Special correspondent Megan…

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‘Purely in survival mode’: Aid worker shares conditions in Gaza City after famine declared 5:51

5d ago5:51

5:51

Officials in Gaza say Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 33 people, including Palestinians sheltering in tents and seeking scarce food. It comes a day after the IPC declared that Gaza City is in the grips of a famine and projected that famine will spread to much of the rest of Gaza by the end of September. John Yang speaks with Oxfam’s Chr…

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News Wrap: ICE seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda 4:17

5d ago4:17

4:17

In our news wrap Saturday, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s lawyers say the U.S. government plans to deport him to Uganda, a redrawn Texas congressional map is on its way to Gov. Abbott’s desk, federal investigators arrived at the site of a deadly bus crash in New York, a California parole board denied Lyle Menendez early release, and confusion over a Trump …

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Does Trump have the power to end mail-in voting? Legal scholar weighs in 6:19

5d ago6:19

6:19

With control of Congress at stake in the 2026 midterm elections, Trump is doubling down on efforts to end mail-in voting. In the 2024 election, nearly 30% of Americans who voted cast their ballots by mail. Despite a multimillion-dollar Republican push to encourage supporters to vote by mail, Trump says it’s a fraud. John Yang speaks with legal scho…

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As glaciers melt, scientists study potential for more violent volcanic eruptions 6:44

5d ago6:44

6:44

Scientists are flocking to Iceland to investigate an increasingly crucial question: Will melting glaciers accelerate and intensify earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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FBI raids home of John Bolton, a former Trump adviser turned vocal critic 6:51

6d ago6:51

6:51

Early Friday, FBI agents searched the Maryland home of John Bolton, the former national security adviser in President Trump’s first administration. Agents were also seen entering a building in Washington where Bolton has an office. Bolton has become a sharp critic of Trump, attacking his foreign policy and national security decisions. Amna Nawaz di…

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News Wrap: Pentagon says troops will start carrying firearms in D.C. 6:23

6d ago6:23

6:23

In our news wrap Friday, the Pentagon says National Guard troops will start carrying firearms in D.C. as part of President Trump’s security crackdown of the city, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the White House says the federal government has taken a 10% stake in Intel and Kilmar Abrego Garcia was r…

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‘Man-made disaster’: Famine declared in Gaza City where half a million face starvation 7:43

6d ago7:43

7:43

The international organization that monitors hunger crises around the world has declared that parts of Gaza are in famine. The U.N.-backed group of experts said that half a million people in Gaza, a quarter of the population, are facing “catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation, destitution and death.” Nick Schifrin spoke with David Mili…

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A glimpse of life in Gaza, through the voices of its children 6:19

6d ago6:19

6:19

As many as 132,000 children in Gaza under the age of five are at risk of dying from acute malnutrition between now and next summer, according to a U.N.-backed group of experts. Half of Gaza’s population is children, and many of them have been left scarred, traumatized and forever changed by the war. Nick Schifrin reports. A warning, images in this …

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Pastor leading Target boycott on its impact and the retailer’s response 6:12

6d ago6:12

6:12

Target is reeling as sales have stalled and its stock price has plunged. The company faced backlash after a rollback of its DEI initiatives prompted a boycott that slowed store traffic nationwide, one of the factors that pushed CEO Brian Cornell to step down. Now, Target is scrambling to reset its image. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Pastor Jam…

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Powell hints at long-awaited rate cut but admits Fed in ‘challenging situation’ 7:01

6d ago7:01

7:01

In a closely watched speech, Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave the strongest indication yet that the central bank will cut interest rates as soon as September. With inflation ticking up and the job market cooling down, Powell said the Fed was in a “challenging situation.” Amna Nawaz discussed more with Loretta Mester, the former president and CEO of the…

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Capehart and Ponnuru on the FBI’s raid on Trump critic John Bolton 11:52

6d ago11:52

11:52

Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC and Ramesh Ponnuru of the National Review join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including fallout following the FBI's raid on Trump critic John Bolton, President Trump's deployment of troops in Washington, D.C., and California Gov. Gavin Newsom standing up to Trump. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs…

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New York appeals court throws out $500M fraud penalty against Trump 7:57

7d ago7:57

7:57

A New York appeals court dismissed a $500 million civil fraud penalty against President Trump and his companies for overvaluing their properties in financial statements. The judges upheld the fraud judgment, but said the fine was excessive. Geoff Bennett discussed the impact of this decision with former federal prosecutor Jessica Roth. PBS News is …

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News Wrap: Trump greets law enforcement and National Guard troops patrolling D.C. 10:26

7d ago10:26

10:26

In our news wrap Thursday, President Trump met with law enforcement and National Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital, California lawmakers moved closer to approving a redrawn congressional map a day after the Texas House approved redistricting and the State Department is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who hold val…

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What Gabbard’s ODNI cuts mean for U.S. intelligence agencies 7:32

7d ago7:32

7:32

The Trump administration announced that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence would cut 40% of its staff. Tulsi Gabbard claims ODNI is "inefficient" and "rife with abuse." The office was created after 9/11 to coordinate the 17 intelligence agencies. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Sue Gordon, principal deputy director of national intel…

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Home sales went up in July, offering momentum to a struggling market 5:48

7d ago5:48

5:48

The housing market showed signs of life in July, with existing home sales increasing by 2% from the previous month. It's offering a bit of momentum to a market that’s been struggling. Geoff Bennett discussed the numbers with Daryl Fairweather, chief economist for the real estate company Redfin. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshou…

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Why the federal government could take a stake in Intel 6:29

7d ago6:29

6:29

President Trump is weighing taking a 10% stake in computer chip maker Intel. If approved, it would mark one of the largest U.S. government interventions in a private company since the auto bailout of 2008. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Peter Harrell of the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. He is a former White House economic advisor in the Biden admin…

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Canada’s foreign minister on U.S. relations and security guarantees for Ukraine 9:09

7d ago9:09

9:09

The U.S.-Canada relationship, for decades a symbol of stability, has been rockier under President Trump, who has joked about making Canada the 51st state. Nick Schifrin spoke with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand about relations with the U.S., trade negotiations, security in Haiti and opportunities for peace in Ukraine. PBS News is supported b…

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Tour of giant, brightly colored creatures celebrates artistic heritage of Oaxaca 5:21

7d ago5:21

5:21

They’re called fantastic animals, brightly colored wooden creatures inspired by the world of Mexican magical realism. Giant versions of these animals are on a tour across the U.S., celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and promoting diplomacy during a contentious time. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown checked them out in San Francisco …

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As Russia continues to wage war, NATO meets to plan Ukraine’s future defense 3:10

8d ago3:10

3:10

Moscow insisted that it must participate in any security guarantees provided by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraine. That is likely a non-starter for the West and shows the challenge facing allies as they try to forge a path toward peace. Russia’s demand comes as U.S. and NATO military chiefs are working to create a plan that would provide Ukraine the a…

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Expert analyzes difficulties of providing Ukraine with security guarantees 5:50

8d ago5:50

5:50

For perspective on the challenges of providing a security guarantee to Ukraine, Amna Nawaz spoke with James Townsend, a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council. He has had a decades-long career focusing on Europe, including as deputy secretary of defense for Europe and NATO policy during the Obama administration. PBS News is supported by - https://w…

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News Wrap: Texas lawmakers move closer to approving new congressional maps 8:35

8d ago8:35

8:35

In our news wrap Wednesday, Texas lawmakers are closer to approving controversial congressional maps that sparked a nationwide fight over redistricting, a federal judge temporarily blocked Texas from requiring schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and Vice President Vance and Defense Secretary Hegseth visited National Guard troops i…

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Why the American Academy of Pediatrics is diverging from CDC vaccine guidelines 5:56

8d ago5:56

5:56

The American Academy of Pediatrics released new COVID vaccination guidelines, and for the first time, they diverge significantly from the recommendations from the CDC. The changes leave parents with competing guidance as we head into fall. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and director of the Vaccine Education Center a…

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How the reclassification of marijuana could impact users, businesses and research 6:30

8d ago6:30

6:30

President Trump has promised answers soon on a potential shift in national drug policy. Last year, the Biden administration proposed moving marijuana from the DEA's Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, which wouldn’t make it legal on the federal level but would ease federal restrictions. John Yang discussed what that long-anticipated change could mean with Be…

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Florida’s climate-focused tech sector faces uncertainty after federal cuts 8:40

8d ago8:40

8:40

South Florida is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Start-ups, local governments and researchers are working to make the area more resilient, but federal funding cuts may hinder those efforts. William Brangham traveled to the region and reports for our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/fu…