Why the wall was built

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Recently-published stories may not immediately appear in this index of transcripts. Transcripts are typically completed and published 10-48 hours after audio stories are published. Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. If you're having trouble finding a transcript for a story published prior to the past 48 hours, you can
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These fans are boycotting the World Cup. Will they make it a bust?
Published on April 30, 2026
Some fans in the U.S. and around the world are unhappy with World Cup ticket prices — and U.S. immigration policies. So they're deciding not to come, raising concerns across the travel industry.
Mirroring Gaza, Israel is destroying towns and villages in southern Lebanon
Published on April 30, 2026
In southern Lebanon, towns near the border with Israel have been largely destroyed by Israeli demolitions and strikes. Israel says it has been attacking Hezbollah infrastructure, but civilian infrastructure has also been significantly affected.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Musk continued his testimony from yesterday in lawsuit against OpenAI
Published on April 29, 2026
Elon Musk takes the stand again Wednesday as a witness in his suit against ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Trump administration moves to dismiss members of the National Science Board
Published on April 29, 2026
The Trump administration has moved to dismiss the members of the National Science Board, which governs the National Science Foundation. Dismissed members say the agency's independence is threatened.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Camp Mystic parents ask Texas lawmakers to block the camp from re-opening
Published on April 29, 2026
A Texas legislative commission heard testimony from families of some of the people who died in the 2025 flooding. Owners of the all-girls Camp Mystic also testified about emergency preparedness plans.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Supreme Court appears to lean toward ending TPS for some migrants
Published on April 29, 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared sympathetic to the Trump administration's move to end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians in the country.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Three months into the Iran war, how does Beijing assess the conflict?
Published on April 29, 2026
As the Iran war enters its third month, we ask how China is making sense of the conflict.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
World Cup cities slow to reveal FIFA required human rights protection plans
Published on April 29, 2026
FIFA is requiring World Cup host cities to have a human rights action plan in place before the games begin. So far, only a handful of the 16 host cities have made their plans public.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Kids in Louisville get their own Kentucky Derby parade
Published on April 29, 2026
The Kentucky Derby is celebrated by locals in Louisville — including its smallest residents, who get their own downtown parade.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
A look at one of the farms RFK Jr. has pointed to as a model for 'reparenting'
Published on April 29, 2026
The U.S. health secretary says he wants to shift addiction care toward an approach that includes rural farms or camps for people in recovery. Many addiction experts say the idea is outdated.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Belle Burden's marriage ended, and she found her voice
Published on April 29, 2026
NPR's Juana Summers speaks with author Belle Burden about her memoir
Strangers
, and the powerful response the book is having.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Dirty nickel: The health costs of mining in Indonesia
Published on April 29, 2026
Indonesia is in the midst of a nickel boom, but there are concerns about how the mineral is mined and refined, and about its cost to the environment and local health.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
DOD officials say Iran war has cost $25 billion so far during Congressional grilling
Published on April 29, 2026
The Pentagon says that the cost of the war with Iran is estimated to be some $25 billion. Defense officials were appearing on the Hill for budget discussions.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
After Supreme Court ruling, what's the future of the Voting Rights Act?
Published on April 29, 2026
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with election law expert Richard Hasen about Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling in the landmark case
Louisiana v. Callais
.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Mic malfunction leads to 'O Canada' sing along
Published on April 29, 2026
In Buffalo, N.Y., Tuesday night, the Sabres faced off against the Boston Bruins. The microphone malfunctioned during the singing of the Canadian anthem, but the crowd stepped up.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
50,000 protestors were arrested in Iran. Some are facing the death penalty
Published on April 29, 2026
Some 50,000 people were arrested in Iran during the anti-regime protests that led up to the Iran war.  Most are still in prisons and their families get little to no information about them.
Supreme Court deals another blow to Voting Rights Act
Published on April 29, 2026
In a landmark ruling Wednesday, the Supreme Court effectively gutted the Voting Rights Act. We discuss what the ruling could mean for Black representation — not just in Congress but at all levels of government.This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks and Hansi Lo Wang and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.
Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at
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What Spirit Airlines’ rise and fall tells us about the future of cheap flights
Published on April 29, 2026
It’s way more than fuel costs that pushed Spirit Airlines to the brink of liquidation and led President Trump to muse about “buying” them. Many low cost airlines are struggling due to a canny and calculated set of strategies from bigger airlines that we can think of as ‘revenge of the legacy carriers.’ Today on the show, we go back in time to when Spirit was riding high and pressuring the whole industry to cut costs. We talk with then-CEO Ben Baldanza about his radical vision for cheap air travel and then travel to the present day to hear how legacy airlines beat Spirit and other budget airlines at their own game. Plus, what happens to us passengers if Spirit does go away. Newsletters:Greg’s weekly deep diveThe brand new Indicator link roundupRelated Episodes: People Express and how flying got so bad (or did it?)Book: Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life is in stores now. Support:
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This episode of Planet Money was hosted by Greg Rosalsky, Jacob Goldstein, Zoe Chace and Emma Peaslee. It was produced by Emma Peaslee. It was edited by Alex Goldmark. It was fact-checked by Vito Emanuel and engineered by Jimmy Keeley. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money’s executive producer.
Fresh Air
April 29, 2026
How Trump's EPA head has transformed the agency — and sided with polluters
Published on April 29, 2026
New Yorker
writer Elizabeth Kolbert says EPA chief Lee Zeldin has rescinded regulations, cut or eliminated departments and terminated the jobs of many scientists. Trump calls Zeldin "our secret weapon."
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
United Arab Emirates announces it's leaving OPEC
Published on April 29, 2026
The UAE says it will leave OPEC, amid tensions with Saudi Arabia and the chaos of the Iran war.
As Supreme Court weighs Trump's immigration policy, senior citizens join the fight
Published on April 29, 2026
As the Supreme Court weighs the Trump administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, seniors are advocating for protections for their immigrant caregivers.
FCC orders early license renewal for eight ABC stations
Published on April 29, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered The Walt Disney Company's ABC to seek early broadcast license renewals for the eight TV stations it owns. The move follows criticism from first lady Melania Trump who objected to a joke about her made by late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel. President Trump followed up with a social media post calling for Kimmel to be fired, as NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports.Support NPR and hear every episode of
Trump's Terms
sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Families sue OpenAI over Canadian mass shooter's use of ChatGPT
Published on April 29, 2026
The lawsuits claim OpenAI was negligent for failing to report the shooter to authorities after her account was flagged for "gun violence activity and planning."
Baby teeth hold clues to the harms of toxic metals for infants — and older kids
Published on April 29, 2026
By analyzing layers in these teeth, scientists have pinpointed a critical window when baby brains are most vulnerable to toxic metals — and linked that to behavior problems later in life.
SCOTUS weighs Temporary Protected Status cases. And, jury indicts James Comey again
Published on April 29, 2026
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians. And, a grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey for a second time
Published on April 29, 2026
The Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey, months after its first case against him collapsed. President Trump has been demanding retribution against his critics.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
What's in the second indictment of former FBI director James Comey?
Published on April 29, 2026
What is the substance of the new DOJ charges against former FBI Director James Comey? NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Benjamin Wittes, editor in chief of Lawfare.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Purdue Pharma sentenced in criminal opioid case while company leaders avoid charges
Published on April 29, 2026
Purdue Pharma will pay the DOJ $225 million in a criminal settlement and members of the Sackler family who own the Oxycontin-maker also contribute billions of dollars to a bankruptcy deal, but the private drug firm's leaders will avoid prison time.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Texas' hemp industry fights new regulations that have upended the legal hemp market
Published on April 29, 2026
One of the country's largest legal cannabis markets is fighting for its life. Texas' hemp industry is challenging fee increases of up to 4,000%, which effectively ban cannabis' most popular form.
Comey Indicted Again, King Charles' Message To Congress, SCOTUS Temp Protected Status
Published on April 29, 2026
The Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time, accusing him of threatening President Trump with an Instagram post of the numbers 86 47 spelled out in seashells on a beach.King Charles told a joint session of Congress today that the United States and Britain must strengthen their partnership even as President Trump clashes with European leaders over Iran and NATO.The Supreme Court hears arguments today in a case that could let the Trump administration move forward with mass deportations of people who have lived legally in the United States for years under temporary protected status. (NOTE: this story contains a bleeped clip of President Trump using vulgarity)
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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Adriana Gallardo.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Comey Indicted Again(05:46) King Charles' Message To Congress(09:31) SCOTUS Temp Protected Status
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Supreme Court weighs Trump's effort to end temporary protected status for Haitians, Syrians
Published on April 29, 2026
At issue is the TPS program, which permits eligible individuals to live and work in the United States if they cannot return to their home countries because of "extraordinary or temporary conditions."
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
In the midst of an energy crisis, countries make plans to ditch oil, gas and coal
Published on April 29, 2026
Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, more than 50 countries have come to Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss concrete ways to phase out oil, gas and coal.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
How a Republican state lawmaker tried to let Holocaust deniers hijack history lessons
Published on April 29, 2026
A New Hampshire Republican. A German Holocaust denier. A suspicious bottle of baby oil. An NPR investigation reveals how the alarming rise of antisemitic conspiracy theories reached a state capitol.
All Things Considered
April 29, 2026
Jerome Powell to remain on Fed's board after stepping down as chair
Published on April 29, 2026
The Federal Reserve voted to hold interest rates steady, at what's likely Jerome Powell's last meeting as Fed chair.  Kevin Warsh looks set to replace Powell next month.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
What 'The Devil Wears Prada' got right about the fashion industry
Published on April 29, 2026
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with fashion critic Robin Givhan about the fashion industry's opinion of "The Devil Wears Prada" movie and what it's hoping to see -- and not see -- in the sequel.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Party infighting and revolts continue to complicate House Speaker Mike Johnson's job
Published on April 29, 2026
House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to pass several major pieces of legislation, but party infighting has complicated his job -- and by extension the GOP's agenda.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Palestinian refugee uses art to share the story of his childhood with his daughter
Published on April 29, 2026
Basel Zaraa was a Palestinian refugee. When his 5-year-old daughter started asking him questions, he told her this story.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
FCC orders early license renewals for ABC stations after criticism from Trump
Published on April 29, 2026
The FCC has ordered early license renewals for Disney-owned ABC stations, following renewed criticism of Jimmy Kimmel from President Trump and the first lady.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
King Charles argues for stronger cooperation in speech to a joint meeting of Congress
Published on April 29, 2026
In an address before a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday, King Charles III sought to highlight the importance of the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Great Britain.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
How the U.K. is reacting to King Charles' visit to the U.S.
Published on April 29, 2026
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Lord Peter Ricketts, a member of the House of Lords and a former British diplomat, about King Charles' visit to the U.S. during a tumultuous time.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Fed expected to hold interest rates steady in what could be Powell's last meeting
Published on April 29, 2026
The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady Wednesday. It's likely to be Jerome Powell's last rate-setting meeting as chairman of the central bank.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Why Sen. Warren voted no for Kevin Warsh as Fed chairman
Published on April 29, 2026
Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren discusses the future of the Federal Reserve and tells NPR's Steve Inskeep why she plans to vote no on Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair.
Morning Edition
April 29, 2026
Will UAE's departure from OPEC affect the oil cartel's future influence?
Published on April 29, 2026
What are the impacts of the UAE's decision to pull out of the OPEC oil cartel? NPR's A Martinez speaks with Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
Are Black men facing a mental health crisis, a patriarchy crisis, or both?
Published on April 29, 2026
Over the past few weeks, there have been multiple high-profile incidents of Black men committing acts of violence against their loved ones, from a man in Shreveport killing his children, to the former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia killing himself and his wife. On this episode, we're asking: What does this violence have to do with patriarchy? What does it have to do with mental health? What does it have to do with race and gender? And what would it take to create a culture that actually protects Black women and children?
The new economic arms race
Published on April 29, 2026
Iran’s weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz is the perfect example of how modern warfare is increasingly waged, not only with drones and bombs, but also through the weaponization of economic choke points. Today on the show, we talk to author Edward Fishman, who says the U.S. innovated a new kind of economic warfare a couple of decades ago, and that has sparked a new economic arms race. Edward Fishman’s book is “Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare”.The Indicator has a weekly newsletter! Be among the first to sign up now: npr.org/indicatornewsletter
Related episodes:
Think the oil shock is bad in the US? Look hereFixing the oil crisis might not fix the Persian GulfHow are drivers riding out the gas crisis?
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Burritos and Handshakes
Published on April 29, 2026
Ian and Mike help a caller solve a handshake issue. Plus, how to mourn the loss of a favorite dish.You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.
How To Do Everything
is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of
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How To Do Everything
is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Trump's DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey for a second time
Published on April 28, 2026
The Justice Department has secured
another
grand jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, an outspoken critic of President Trump.Support NPR and hear every episode of
Trump's Terms
sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.
Can Illinois hold the feds accountable for immigration crackdown?
Published on April 28, 2026
The Illinois state government has been investigating the United States government.Specifically, a panel called the Illinois Accountability Commission has been conducting interviews and reviewing footage from last year's federal immigration enforcement crackdown in Chicago, known as Operation Midway Blitz.Illinois Governor JB Pritzker established the commission late last year to create a public record of the weeks-long immigration crackdown throughout the Chicago area. For sponsor-free episodes of
Consider This,
sign up for C
onsider This+
via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Alejandra Marquez Janse and Karen Zamora.It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Courtney Dorning.Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
Musk and Altman to face off over the future of OpenAI in trial
Published on April 28, 2026
In Oakland, a case is getting underway in which Elon Musk and Sam Altman will face off over the future of OpenAI, one of the world's most influential AI companies.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
As school choice expands in Iowa, one district is in a crisis from losing students
Published on April 28, 2026
With school choice programs ascendant not just in Iowa but across the U.S., Cedar Rapids offers a preview of who wins and who loses when education meets the free market.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
Illinois governor weighs in on Operation Midway Blitz hearings
Published on April 28, 2026
NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker regarding the public hearings of the Illinois Accountability Commission investigating federal immigration enforcement in Chicago.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
Shoes launch sub-two hour marathon times
Published on April 28, 2026
Two marathoners clocked in under two hours in London. We talk to one researcher about the role of shoes in making the impossible possible.
With no radical footprint, what drove suspect to try and assassinate Trump?
Published on April 28, 2026
An attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday has, again, highlighted the climate of political violence in the U.S. But there are still many questions about the motive.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
Can the famous Rocky statue punch through political disagreements?
Published on April 28, 2026
Philadelphia's Rocky statue gets as many visitors as the Statue of Liberty. Now the Philadelphia Museum of Art is trying to use it to create dialogue between people who disagree.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
FCC orders early license renewal for ABC stations following Kimmel's first lady joke
Published on April 28, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered Disney's ABC to seek early broadcast license renewals for the eight TV stations it owns amid backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
How the city with the most to lose in the Colorado River crisis is trying to adapt
Published on April 28, 2026
Record low winter snows mean insufficient water in the Colorado River. Here's how a city that's first in line to be cut off is handling it.
All Things Considered
April 28, 2026
Colombia's election takes a tense turn with wave of pre-election violence
Published on April 28, 2026
Colombia's presidential race unfolds amid weekend bomb attacks and rising fears of political violence ahead of May's vote. The left-wing frontrunner is trailed by a fragmented right-wing opposition.
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