Best Immigrant Defense Project Podcasts (2025)

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Federal Reserve cuts interest rates amid economic uncertainty 6:20

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8m ago6:20

6:20

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time this year, dropping it by a quarter point. The change could have an impact on many lending rates and the Fed suggested two more cuts by year's end. To discuss the cut and what's ahead, Geoff Bennett spoke with Ron Insana, a contributor to CNBC and publisher of the Substack colum…

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Trump greeted with royal reception to begin his second state visit 3:32

1h ago3:32

3:32

President Trump enjoyed a warm welcome to Britain's Windsor Castle, where his royal hosts put on a display of pageantry, pomp and military parades. It's an unprecedented second state visit for Trump, and it comes with both regal spectacle and real-world diplomacy, including a civilian nuclear power deal and a massive trans-Atlantic tech agreement. …

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News Wrap: Patel faces criticism for not releasing FBI’s Epstein files 5:01

4m ago5:01

5:01

In our news wrap Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel faced bipartisan criticism for not releasing all Epstein information in the bureau's possession, FBI officials in Pittsburgh say they're treating a car ramming at their local field office as an act of terror and the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says new evidence proves her hus…

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What ousted CDC director Monarez revealed about RFK Jr. during a Senate hearing 9:11

9m ago9:11

9:11

Former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez gave her first detailed account of her high-profile firing during a Senate hearing. Monarez was ousted less than a month into the job, making her the shortest-lived director in the agency’s history. Questions about the future of vaccine policy were front and center during the hearing. Congressional corresponden…

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UN commission accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Lawyers offer opposing views on findings 10:59

32m ago10:59

10:59

An independent, international commission attached to the UN’s Human Rights Council released its report this week, accusing Israel of an ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The commission said statements made by Israeli authorities are “direct evidence of genocidal intent.” Nick Schifrin has two views on the report from Craig Mokhabir and…

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Woman wrongfully detained in immigration raid describes what she endured 7:58

37m ago7:58

7:58

A U.S. citizen was caught in the middle of the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. Andrea Velez says she was wrongfully arrested this past summer in downtown Los Angeles during an ICE raid. She spent two nights in jail and faced a felony charge the Justice Department later dropped. Geoff Bennett discussed the case…

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Archivist fired by Trump launches a national effort to strengthen democracy 9:08

1h ago9:08

9:08

Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States in 2023. In February, President Trump fired her with no reason given. On Constitution Day, Shogan launched a national bipartisan effort called "More Perfect" to work on strengthening democracy. Amna Nawaz reports for our series, Art in Action, and…

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Kash Patel defends record as FBI director and handling of Kirk case in tense hearing 5:59

10m ago5:59

5:59

On Capitol Hill, FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with Democratic senators on his handling of the Charlie Kirk investigation and on his leadership of the agency. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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Ex-FBI agent analyzes Patel’s performance, staff shakeups and bureau’s direction 5:39

15m ago5:39

5:39

In a Senate hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel defended his record from the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s murder to the firings of career officials. To discuss Patel’s hearing and his tenure so far at the FBI, Amna Nawaz spoke with Asha Rangappa. She's a former FBI agent and now a lecturer at Yale University. PBS News is supported by - https://ww…

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News Wrap: Judge dismisses terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in CEO’s killing 5:05

4m ago5:05

5:05

In our news wrap Tuesday, a judge dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, President Trump is in London for his second state visit to the UK, the New York Times is pushing back against a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump and Israeli forces unleashed a long-threatened groun…

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What makes this week’s Federal Reserve meeting unprecedented 5:22

25m ago5:22

5:22

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a point when it meets on Wednesday, the first cut in about a year. It has been described by those who watch the Fed as the most unprecedented meeting in many years due to political pressure from President Trump. Geoff Bennett discussed more with David Wessel of the H…

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A look into the online subcultures tied to Charlie Kirk’s accused killer 7:28

30m ago7:28

7:28

One focal point for investigators in the Charlie Kirk case is the messages that were found carved on the bullet casings believed to have belonged to the shooter. They contain several seemingly sarcastic, irreverent phrases that are common in gaming and online communities. To help decipher what some of these might mean, William Branham spoke with Ry…

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Manchin reflects on Senate career and outlines his vision of leadership in ‘Dead Center’ 8:55

35m ago8:55

8:55

From his roots in West Virginia to his pivotal role in some of Washington’s fiercest battles, Joe Manchin built a career on bucking partisan lines and pushing for pragmatism over ideology. In his new memoir, he recounts stories from the Senate, interactions with the White House and outlines his vision of leadership. Manchin joined Geoff Bennett to …

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Economic fallout mounts as Trump halts near-finished wind power project 6:22

1h ago6:22

6:22

Last month, the Trump administration abruptly halted construction on a nearly completed $6 billion, 65-turbine wind farm off the coast of New England, known as Revolution Wind. The holdup has put thousands out of work and raises big questions about not just the future of this project, but similar efforts across the eastern seaboard. Science corresp…

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A look at the life, career and activism of legendary actor Robert Redford 6:31

1d ago6:31

6:31

Robert Redford, a screen legend, filmmaker, environmentalist and tireless champion of independent voices in cinema, died Tuesday at 89. Revered for his magnetic presence on screen in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and "All the President’s Men," Redford’s legacy is as much about art as it is about integrity. Jeffrey …

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Rubio affirms U.S. support for Israel’s vision of military victory in Gaza 2:57

13m ago2:57

2:57

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Doha to meet with Qatar’s leaders following unprecedented Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leaders last week. Earlier Monday, Rubio appeared with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as the two presented a unified front. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.o…

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News Wrap: U.S. military strikes 2nd boat Trump says was carrying drugs from Venezuela 7:19

1d ago7:19

7:19

In our news wrap Monday, President Trump said the U.S. military conducted a strike on a second boat he alleged was carrying drugs from Venezuela, FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators found DNA evidence near the Charlie Kirk shooting scene that matches suspect Tyler Robinson and the U.S. said it reached a "framework" deal with China over owner…

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Firings over callous remarks on Kirk’s killing spark debate on limits of free speech 11:50

24m ago11:50

11:50

In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death, President Trump and his allies have promised consequences for people who speak callously about his killing. Inside and outside of Trump's government, it's led to people being fired, suspended or reprimanded. It also sparked an open debate about the limits of free speech. Amna Nawaz discusse…

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What’s caused reading scores to drop to worst point in decades? Education expert weighs in 6:28

29m ago6:28

6:28

Math and reading scores dropped to their lowest levels in more than two decades among high school seniors. That's according to the Nation’s Report Card put out by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. It shows that student achievement has continued to decline since the pandemic. There are many theories about what’s going on, and William …

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Why critics are alarmed about the influence of PragerU’s educational videos 9:21

33m ago9:21

9:21

The rise of edutainment, the integration of entertainment with educational content, has become a billion-dollar industry. The conservative PragerU has positioned itself as a major player in this space by producing videos on a range of topics that are now showing up in more classrooms. Stephanie Sy examines what it could mean for school districts go…

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Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on the political response to Charlie Kirk’s killing 7:58

38m ago7:58

7:58

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 the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and the political firestorm it ignited, President Trump decides to send the National Guard into Memphis and a potential government shutdown is looming. PBS New…

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Lisa Lawson explores the neuroscience of adolescence in ‘Thrive’ 6:16

1h ago6:16

6:16

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is perhaps best known for its work helping America’s youth. Lisa Lawson, the president and CEO, has done extensive research into the development of teenagers. She joined Geoff Bennett to discuss her new book, "Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children." PBS News i…

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News Wrap: Utah Gov. Cox shares more details about suspected Kirk shooter 2:47

13m ago2:47

2:47

In our news wrap Sunday, Utah’s governor shared new details about the suspected shooter in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the airspace around Poland is being closely monitored after last week’s Russian drone incursion, a few hundred Ebola vaccines reached southern Congo amid an outbreak, and Qatar hosts a summit to consider a response to Israel’s st…

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Southern Lebanon residents describe hardships under Israeli military occupation 7:23

18m ago7:23

7:23

As it intensifies its war in Gaza, Israel also remains in a simmering conflict on its northern border with Lebanon. Under a ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the area in January. But its military recently expanded its presence, saying that Hezbollah was in violation of the terms and an active threat. Special correspondent Si…

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The key issues that drove Gen Z protests that toppled Nepal’s government 5:39

23m ago5:39

5:39

Nepal finds new calm this weekend with the appointment of an interim prime minister, following an extraordinary week of violence. More than 70 people died after anti-corruption protests led to police clashes and government buildings being set aflame. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Alex Travelli, a South Asia business correspondent for The New York Tim…

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Comedians use laughter as a new tool for suicide prevention 5:05

28m ago5:05

5:05

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in 2023 alone, according to the latest CDC data. One organization has found an unconventional tool to combat those grim numbers: laughter. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Brad Bonar Jr., founder of the 1 Degree of Separation suicide prevention program, f…

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New archive in London celebrates David Bowie’s dazzling career and legacy 2:51

33m ago2:51

2:51

The chameleon of rock, David Bowie, left behind a profound and colorful legacy. We zoom to London, virtually, to visit the new home for the British star’s archive that just opened this weekend. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence 6:50

21m ago6:50

6:50

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is drawing reaction and concern around the world. Kirk's widow Erica spoke for the first time last night, vowing that his movement will not only continue, but grow. Meanwhile, concerns about political violence and security for political figures continue to rise. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Cynthia Miller-Idriss at …

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News Wrap: Trump pressures NATO allies to stop purchasing Russian oil 2:57

26m ago2:57

2:57

In our news wrap Saturday, Trump ramped up pressure on NATO to stop purchasing Russian energy in a letter to allies, Israel launched more deadly airstrikes on Gaza as it intensifies military operations, curfew was lifted in Nepal’s capital after a new interim prime minister was appointed, and Jane Austen fans gathered in England to celebrate the au…

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States face hard choices after major cuts to federal health care funding 5:30

31m ago5:30

5:30

The Trump administration is planning sweeping cuts to health care funding across the country. Some of those cuts have already taken effect, while others will roll out over the next few years. KFF Health News senior health policy correspondent Stephanie Armour joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss what this means for states, which will have to shoulder m…

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‘Downton Abbey’ creator Julian Fellowes reflects on beloved historical drama 8:20

1d ago8:20

8:20

“Downton Abbey,” the beloved historical drama of charm and wit, is coming to an end. At its peak, it drew more than 13 million viewers — the most-watched drama in PBS history. It’s going out with some flair, with the movie “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” out in theaters now. Stephanie Sy speaks with show creator Julian Fellowes for our arts and c…

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Authorities detail investigation and arrest of suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing 5:15

29m ago5:15

5:15

The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now in custody. The arrest came after an extensive search by law enforcement officials, with the FBI calling on the public for help, and it was information from the suspect’s own family members that ultimately led to his capture. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https:…

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News Wrap: Suspect killed after driving car into ICE officers in Chicago suburb 6:05

2d ago6:05

6:05

In our news wrap Friday, Homeland Security says an ICE officer shot and killed a suspect outside Chicago who drove his car into officers, Trump says he’s sending National Guard troops to Memphis, Missouri’s senate passed a redistricting plan favoring Republicans, the EPA moved to stop collecting emissions data from about 8,000 U.S. facilities, and …

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NATO responds to Russia’s drone incursion with ‘Eastern Sentry’ defense plan 5:35

5d ago5:35

5:35

PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacyBy PBS News

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How to talk with kids about violent images of Charlie Kirk’s killing 9:37

8m ago9:37

9:37

The rapid online spread of graphic images tied to Charlie Kirk’s killing has raised questions about how to talk to kids about political violence. Within hours of Kirk’s death, videos of the shooting had been seen more than 40 million times on TikTok, Instagram and X. We hear from parents and teens about their concerns, and Geoff Bennett speaks with…

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Son of detained Hong Kong journalist Jimmy Lai on Beijing’s crackdown on speech 7:03

4h ago7:03

7:03

A Hong Kong court is set to deliver a verdict soon for democracy activist and media magnate Jimmy Lai, who has been detained for five years. He’s accused of sedition and collusion with foreign forces, but his supporters call the trial a sham and say the only thing he’s guilty of committing is journalism. Nick Schifrin spoke with Lai’s son, Sebastie…

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Brooks and Capehart on Americans’ reactions to the killing of Charlie Kirk 10:47

1h ago10:47

10:47

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk and the tough questions it raises about the political environment in the country. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri…

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Retired accountant realizes lifelong dream of joining LSU’s marching band 6:51

4h ago6:51

6:51

At 66 years old, Kent Broussard has proven it’s never too late to chase a dream. After retiring from a long career in accounting, he enrolled at Louisiana State University as a full-time student with one goal in mind: to finally earn his place in the famed Tiger Marching Band. Geoff Bennett speaks with Broussard about his journey for our arts and c…

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Authorities piece together killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk 6:08

40m ago6:08

6:08

Federal agents are intensifying their search for the person who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed yesterday as he was speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University. Geoff Bennett has the latest. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

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Reflecting on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk 6:37

6d ago6:37

6:37

For more on Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy, Benji Backer, CEO and founder of Nature Is Nonpartisan, who worked with Kirk when he launched Turning Point USA, joins Amna Nawaz. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacyBy PBS News

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News Wrap: Authorities say Colorado school shooter was radicalized 6:41

19m ago6:41

6:41

In our news wrap Thursday, authorities in Colorado say the 16-year-old who fired multiple shots at a high school was radicalized by an extremist network, the British ambassador to the U.S. was fired over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, more than 300 South Korean workers are heading home after a Georgia raid and Americans …

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Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro convicted of attempted coup 8:59

6d ago8:59

8:59

The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, was sentenced to over 27 years in prison after he was found guilty of attempting to use military force to overturn an election and plotting to assassinate current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brian Winter of the Americas Society and Council of the Americas joins Nick Schifrin to discuss the ru…

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Former Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson issues urgent call to protect U.S. democracy 7:20

1h ago7:20

7:20

"American democracy is under threat" was the starting point for a task force assembled by the American Bar Association two years ago. Their mission was to investigate the causes and potential solutions for this growing problem. Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who helped lead the initiative, joins Amna Nawaz to discuss the task force…

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Hardworking Virginia family struggles to achieve American dream 5:43

1h ago5:43

5:43

Headlines have recently been dominated by news that directly affects people’s lives, from the new tax cut and Medicaid law to near-daily economy updates. But those headlines don’t always capture the everyday reality for millions of Americans just trying to get by. To better understand that reality, Lisa Desjardins went to Virginia’s Blue Ridge regi…

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A Brief But Spectacular take on embracing disability pride 3:19

6d ago3:19

3:19

Tiffany Yu is the founder of Diversability and author of "The Anti-Ableist Manifesto." After a childhood accident left her with a permanent disability, Yu dedicated her life to creating communities where people with disabilities of every kind can be seen, supported and celebrated. She gives her Brief But Spectacular take on embracing disability pri…

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Prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk killed at event in Utah 8:45

29m ago8:45

8:45

One of the nation’s most prominent conservative activists is dead after he was shot during an event. Charlie Kirk, the head of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Lisa Desjardins reports and Geoff Bennett discusses Kirk's influence with David Weigel. PBS News is supported by - …

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‘Putin is mocking’ Trump, Polish foreign minister says after Russian drone incursion 8:16

34m ago8:16

8:16

It was an ominous series of firsts for the world’s largest military alliance. For the first time in NATO history, alliance airplanes engaged enemy targets in allied airspace, and for the first time since Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, NATO opened fire on Russian drones. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Poland's foreign minister. PBS News is s…

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News Wrap: Judge says Fed governor can stay on job as she challenges firing 5:58

7d ago5:58

5:58

In our news wrap Wednesday, the Trump administration appealed a judge's decision to let Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook stay on the job as she challenges her dismissal, three former FBI officials are suing over their firings, an immigration arrest in New York boiled over into a confrontation with protestors and French demonstrators clashed with …

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The potential consequences of Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar 5:26

7d ago5:26

5:26

The leader of the United Arab Emirates visited Doha to express solidarity with Qatar, one day after an unprecedented Israeli attack on the Gulf nation. Israel's airstrikes that targeted Hamas's political leaders reportedly failed to kill them, but rattled the region. Geoff Bennett discussed the regional ramifications with Marwan Muasher of the Carn…

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New Mexico’s Democratic governor explains how state used National Guard to combat crime 7:17

7d ago7:17

7:17

President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., drew sharp criticism from Democrats who called it government overreach. But in New Mexico, a Democratic governor who deployed the National Guard to assist police has seen violent crime fall in the state’s largest city of Albuquerque. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Gov. Mi…