John B. King Jr. On Inspiring Students In His New Book 'Teacher by Teacher'
John B. King Jr. has worked in nearly every role an educator can — teacher, principal, administrator, higher education chancellor, and education secretary (under Barack Obama).Some big changes for education in America could be coming. The Trump administration has signaled its intention to close the Department of Education. That could have far-reaching ripple effects on parents, teachers, and, most importantly, students.We discuss what it takes for teachers to impact students' lives for the better, and what can teachers do to steer them to success in school and in life. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Growing Your Flower Garden This Spring
Spring is here and whether you've a balcony or a big yard, it's a great time to garden.Maybe you're growing some vegetables this season or experimenting with new plants. But nothing says 'Spring' quite like flowers.We answer your flower gardening questions and spend some time talking about one flower in particular: orchids. Orchids are the largest plant family in the world with over 25,000 species. They also make great gifts. We talk about how to care for orchids even if you're not growing them yourself.On hand to to help us get into the floral spirit, one seasoned horticulturist and an orchid biologist.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Federal Student Loan Repayments Are Due, Again
Over five million US borrowers are in default, with their loan 270 days past due. Four million haven't made payments in 90 days. Now, the five-year pause on collections for defaulted student loans ended Monday.The original pause goes back to a 2020 pandemic-era policy, but it was extended multiple times during the Biden administration. For those in default, the collection of that debt may mean dipping into paychecks, tax refunds, and social security benefits. These collections are being restarted weeks after the Department of Education has seen its staff cut by half. Borrowers are also dealing with glitching and outages on financial aid websites.We answer your questions about student loans and hear why so many borrowers are considered "seriously delinquent."|Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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'If You Can Keep It': The Math Behind The 'Big, Beautiful' Spending Bill
President Donald Trump wants Congress to put together a 'big, beautiful" bill that will extend tax cuts implemented during his first administration. But with less money coming in for the federal government, Congress will have to find ways to cut its own spending. House Speaker Mike Johnson says that goal is $1.5 trillion.One big sticking point on where to make cuts is Medicaid. Johnson has repeatedly claimed that Congress will not make cuts to Medicaid for anyone who is "duly owed." There are some representatives, however, with concerns.The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently did the math. That $1.5 trillion goal isn't possible without cuts to Medicaid or Medicare (another program the administration vowed not to touch).We discuss what Congress may keep in its budget if they want to also pass this mega-bill to cut taxes.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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The News Roundup For May 2, 2025
As dropping approval ratings rolled in at the end of his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to claim that America is currently living with Biden's stock market and not his.A Vermont judge ordered the release of Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi this week. He had been detained by ICE during a final interview for his American citizenship.As Donald Trump's trade war continues, traditional U.S. trading partners are seeking to make connections with other global economic powerhouses.The U.S. announced a deal this week that will see it receive a share of the revenue from Ukraine's mineral deposits and the creation of a joint investment fund shared by the two countries.We cover all the biggest headlines from the week for this installment of the News Roundup.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Listening to the news can feel like a journey. But 1A guides you beyond the headlines – and cuts through the noise. Let's get to the heart of the story, together – on 1A.Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with 1A+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/the1a
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