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Brittney Melton
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Brittney Melton

Friday

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to journalists during press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to journalists during press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday. Evgeniy Maloletka/AP hide caption

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Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

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Why the U.S. wants Ukraine's minerals. And AOC speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep

Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to meet today in Washington, D.C., to sign a preliminary deal. And, AOC tells NPR why she believes the government only works for the wealthy.

Zelenskyy Visits DC, Tate Brothers In Florida, USAID Standoff, AOC and DOJ

Thursday

Signage for the US government's humanitarian agency USAID is seen on a cargo container beside a tricycle in Manila on Feb. 4.

Signage for the US government's humanitarian agency USAID is seen on a cargo container beside a tricycle in Manila on Feb. 4. Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images

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Trump administration cuts most USAID programs. And, the ethics of leaving your job

Nearly all USAID programs have been eliminated. One official says it's a "global health massacre." And, a federal judge will hear arguments over the decision to fire thousands of probationary workers.

Wednesday

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., departs a news conference alongside House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., (right) departs a news conference alongside House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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The House passed a budget resolution. What's next? And, a tactic to decrease bird flu

House Republicans rallied together yesterday to pass multitrillion-dollar plan to address defense, immigration and more. And, why farmers don't like the idea of vaccinating poultry for bird flu.

House Budget Plan, DOGE Resignations, Battle Against Bird Flu

Tuesday

An aerial view shows the long-depleted Colorado River (L) as it flows between California (R) and Arizona, and an irrigation ditch (R) carrying river water toward Quechan tribal land on May 26, 2023 near Winterhaven, California. The Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation and the neighboring Bard Water District currently have voluntary seasonal fallowing programs which compensate farmers to not grow crops on some of their fields in support of an effort to boost water levels at Lake Mead upstream. Tribal water technician Frank Venegas said, 'The river is part of our culture and our identity. It's who we are.' States along the drought-stricken Colorado River, a source of drinking water for 40 million people, reached an agreement earlier this week on water supply conservation with the Biden administration. California, Arizona and Nevada, states which make up the Lower Basin of the river, have agreed to save 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026, in exchange for $1.2 billion in federal funds. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

An aerial view shows the long-depleted Colorado River (L) as it flows between California (R) and Arizona, and an irrigation ditch (R) carrying river water toward Quechan tribal land on May 26, 2023 near Winterhaven, California. Mario Tama/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption

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Mario Tama/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

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Trump's funding freeze threatens key river. And, U.S. votes against Ukraine peace plan

Trump's funding freezes could threaten the Colorado River. Some money was intended to keep the shrinking river flowing. And, the U.S. voted against a U.N. peace resolution for Ukraine.

Federal Worker Email Confusion, UN On Ukraine, Colorado River, France Surgeon Trial

Monday

President Trump returns to the White House on Feb. 19 after spending the weekend and the first two days of the week in Florida.

President Trump returns to the White House on Feb. 19 after spending the weekend and the first two days of the week in Florida. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

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Win McNamee/Getty Images

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Macron, Trump to discuss Ukraine peace plan. And, Greenpeace faces $300 million lawsuit

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to present the European peace plan for Ukraine to President Trump today. And, Greenpeace faces a lawsuit that could shut it down.

Federal Worker Confusion, European Leaders In DC, German Election, Greenpeace Lawsuit

Sunday

Collage a musician photographed by Matheus Sastre (left), Cheryl LaRoche (middle), and Sharon Sheppard (right)

Collage a musician photographed by Matheus Sastre (left), Cheryl LaRoche (middle), and Sharon Sheppard (right) Matheus Sastre (left), Xina Eiland (middle), and Kathy Baxley (right) hide caption

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Matheus Sastre (left), Xina Eiland (middle), and Kathy Baxley (right)

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This Black History Month, we're highlighting stories from community changemakers

Black history happens every day, and the stories from NPR listeners are good examples of that. From becoming the first Black mayor of a town to singing music about change, these stories matter.

NPR listeners tell us about the local Black heroes making a difference in their lives

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Friday

Vehicles drive through flood waters in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Lake Maggiore, Florida, on October 10, 2024. At least 10 people were dead after Hurricane Milton smashed into Florida, US authorities said, after the monster weather system sent tornados spinning across the state and flooded swaths of the Tampa Bay area. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)

FEMA has helped develop building codes for decades, including standards that reduce the risk that houses will flood in storms and hurricanes. That work is being pulled back under the Trump Administration. Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP/Getty Images

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Israel says returned body isn't a hostage. And, FEMA cuts building code efforts

FEMA has cut employees and is now halting efforts to improve building codes. And, Israel says one of the bodies Hamas returned does not belong to any known hostage.

Migrants Leave Guantanamo, Israeli Hostages Update, Changes at FEMA

Thursday

Elon Musk speaks as President Trump looks on in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 11.

Elon Musk speaks as President Trump looks on in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 11. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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DOGE saved far less than claimed. And, Trump blames Zelenskyy for Russia's invasion

An online tracker claims DOGE has saved $55 billion in federal spending, but NPR has found this to be false. And, Trump blames the Ukrainian president for Russia's invasion. 

Trump and Zelenskyy Feud, DOGE Savings Claims, Hamas Releases Four Hostage Bodies

Wednesday

In this photo illustration, vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy in California during an outbreak in 2015.

In this photo illustration, vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy in California during an outbreak in 2015. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America

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Measles spreads in Texas. And, how U.S. funding cuts could benefit China

A measles outbreak in West Texas has sparked concern as cases have more than doubled since last week. And, China seeks to support pro-democracy groups in the U.S.

Measles Outbreak, Foreign Aid Cuts, Bolsonaro Charges

Tuesday

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, at left, has signaled she may use her authority to force New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a fellow Democrat, from office. Hochul said she plans to meet with "key leaders" on Tuesday before reaching a decision about what she described as "troubling" conduct.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, at left, has signaled she may use her authority to force New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a fellow Democrat, from office. Hochul said she plans to meet with "key leaders" on Tuesday before reaching a decision about what she described as "troubling" conduct. New York Daily News/TNS/Tribune News Service hide caption

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New York Daily News/TNS/Tribune News Service

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NYC mayor could be removed from office. And, concerns over peace talks for Ukraine

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signaled she may use her authority to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office. And, high-stakes negotiations to end the war in Ukraine begin today.

Ukraine Talks, U.S. Health Agency Cuts, NYC Mayor Eric Adams Fallout

Monday

President Donald Trump signs an executive order withholding federal funding from schools and universities that impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the Oval Office on Feb. 14, 2025. Many of Trump's executive actions are facing legal challenges in the courts.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order withholding federal funding from schools and universities that impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the Oval Office on Feb. 14, 2025. Many of Trump's executive actions are facing legal challenges in the courts. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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A look at Trump's first month in office. And, how to beat parental burnout

Trump was sworn into his second term four weeks ago. Here's a look at what he's done since then. And, Marco Rubio takes his first trip to the Middle East as secretary of state.

Paris Emergency Summit, Marco Rubio in the Middle East, Trump's First Month

Monday

President Trump sits for an interview with FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla.

President Trump sits for an interview with FOX News Channel's Bret Baier at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier/FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier hide caption

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FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier/FOX News Channel’s Bret Baier

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Breaking down Trump's pre-Super Bowl interview. And, highlights from the big game

President Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl last night, and fans had mixed reactions. Plus, highlights from the big game and the best (and worst) Super Bowl commercials.

Trump At The Superbowl, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Turmoil, Air Aid To Gaza

Friday

Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World Resort on March 3, 2022, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World Resort on March 3, 2022, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Disney Dreamers hide caption

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Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Disney Dreamers

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Disney, GM and others scrub DEI language, NPR finds. And, unusual virus trends

Several large U.S. companies deleted some or all DEI references from their most recent annual reports to investors, an NPR analysis finds. And, unusual trends are driving winter respiratory viruses.

Trump's Justice Department, Disappearing DEI, Flu Peaks Again

Thursday

A woman waves a Pan-African flag next to the Washington Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A woman waves a Pan-African flag next to the Washington Memorial in Washington, D.C. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

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Today's local history makers: We want to hear who is making Black history near you

It's Black History Month and the Up First newsletter wants to highlight local history makers. Do you know anyone who has made a difference and should be celebrated this month? If so, we want to hear.

People protest during a rally against Elon Musk outside the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

People protest during a rally against Elon Musk outside the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption

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Jose Luis Magana/AP

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Federal resignation deadline looms. And, the implications of a USAID shutdown

It's decision day for millions of federal employees who find themselves at a "fork in the road." And, the Trump administration's plans to shut down USAID could have devastating consequences worldwide.

Deadline For Federal Workers, Reaction To Trump's Gaza Plan, Future Of US Foreign Aid